By Bin fire arsonists ‘putting lives at risk’ in Grimsby
Suspected arsonists are “putting lives at risk” across Grimsby and Cleethorpes, the council said.
North East Lincolnshire Council stated vandals igniting bins across the area are causing significant damage and even putting lives at risk.
According to the council, around 15 litter bins have been set on fire so far this year – a figure almost matching bins destroyed for the entirety of 2021.
In a statement addressing the concerning anti-social behaviour, the council said bins across Grimsby and Cleethorpes have been targeted, adding:
“In the past few weeks, bins in or near Haverstoe Park, Sidney Park, Cleethorpes Country Park, Cleethorpes Leisure Centre car park and at bus stops in Grimsby town centre have been targeted.
“In another incident, several household wheelie bins full or rubbish and recycling were dragged to Grant Thorold Park and set alight near a children’s play area.
“The cost of removing and replacing or repairing a damaged bin and reinstating its foundations can be as much as £900 each time.”
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, said:
“It’s deeply concerning to think that someone would deliberately set fire to a bin, even worse that someone would drag bins to a park and set fire to them there. Who does something like that?
“Arson is a serious offence and puts lives at risk. The smoke can contain all sorts of toxins and hazardous fumes.
“Someone must know who committed these offences. If you have information about the bin fires, please contact the police.”
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steven Peck said:
“The consequences of arson can be extremely serious and I would appeal for anyone seeing anything suspicious in the area to come forward.
“We will not tolerate any kind of behaviour which puts our communities at risk. We are working closely with our partners in Humberside Fire and Rescue, North East Lincolnshire Council and other key agencies to tackle and prevent this kind of offending and will deal robustly with those found to be involved.”
Subsequently, all the incidents have been reported to the police. The council are urging anybody with information pertaining to the incidents listed above to contact Humberside Police on the 101 non-emergency number, quoting reference number 22000018420.
