Arson attacks in Cornwall police appeal to Bodmin locals

Officers are investigating five separate and deliberate fires in September and August in which parked vans and cars were destroyed.

Sector Inspector Regie Butler-Card said police are remaining ‘open-minded’ over whether all of the these are linked.

The neighbourhood policing team has increased patrols – and is appealing for the community’s help.

The burnt out remains of a vehicle

Picture: Bodmin Police

Insp Butler-Card said: "Bodmin has suffered a spate of arson attacks during August and September.

"We are reviewing all recent incidents of arson within the area to ascertain if they are linked.

"The arsons are random and there appears to be no specific pattern, or motivation for them.

"We remain open-minded if there are links between the offences.

"As a result of these we have increased our patrols and are working with partners to investigate them and to bring the offender, or offenders, to justice.

"We need the help of our community though; it is with their help we will solve this."

Two vehicles after an attack.

Picture: Bodmin Police

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A van and car were destroyed by fire in Truro Road, Lanivet, at around 4.15am on Saturday 18 September.

Three vehicles were written-off by a blaze in Robartes Road, Bodmin, between 3am and 3.20am on Tuesday, September 7.

A car was set alight in Vivian Road, Bodmin, between 1.30am and 2.20am on Monday, August 20.

Another four vehicles were damaged beyond repair by separate acts of arson in Robartes Road and Harleigh Road respectively between 12.45am and 1.10am on Sunday, August 22.

Insp Butler-Card added: "Please be vigilant and if you notice any suspicious behaviour, please call us immediately to report it.

Police are investigating the spate of attacks.

"For those with private CCTV, please regularly review it for any suspicious activity.

"We would also ask commercial drivers who are travelling at night to report anything suspicious or untoward they see.

"Arson is still a rare event, despite these incidents, and the chance of becoming a victim of crime is still very low in Bodmin and Wadebridge; they are safe towns to live and work in."

Contact police with information by calling 101, or emailing 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/081089/21.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org