Volunteer 'saddened' as Dundee 'give and take' box is set alight
The food supplies outside the Chalmers Ardler Church were burnt overnight Sunday
Last updated 2nd Mar 2021
A volunteer says she's "saddened" after a 'give and take box' in one of Dundee's most deprived areas was set alight.
The supplies of food in Ardler were burnt overnight on Sunday into Monday.
Gemma Johnsen set it up, she can't get her head round why someone would wreck it.
"I was just initially shocked really, and disappointed the box has been abused like that," she said.
"It's saddening because there's someone who could have benefitted from that food that went on fire, and the time it's been out of use, there could've been people who were desperately in need of it."
Police Scotland has received a report of the damage on Turnberry Avenue but a spokesperson confirmed it is not currently included in one of the number of deliberates fires by youngsters in the city described as "reckless" by officers this morning.
On Sunday night, four fires were set within the space of an hour and a half, two in Kirkton, one in Caird Park, and one in Ardler.
Last night there were also deliberate fires in Ardler again, and in Mid Craigie.
Sergeant Karen Judge from Downfield Police office said: "It is extremely disappointing to have to deal with incidents of this nature.
"Those involved are exposing themselves and others to huge danger, and are also wasting the time of emergency services who are needed elsewhere.
"I would ask all parents in the area to ensure you know where your children are in the evening, that they are complying with Covid regulations about being outwith the home, and if they are coming home smelling of smoke or accelerant then you should be notifying us.
“If you have any information you would like to give us, call 101, or you can do this anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Young people may also prefer to give information through www.fearless.org ”