Heath Fires - Reward offered

A £250 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who started four heath fires in Bournemouth during the last month is being offered by the national Crimestoppers charity.

Over the past four weeks, there have been three heath fires started on Talbot Heath and one on Turbary Common.

Police investigating the four arsons arrested four boys – all from Poole and aged in their early teens – who were released on police bail while officers continue their investigations.

Inspector Adrian King, of Gravel Hill police in Poole, said: “Someone – perhaps several people – knows who started these heath fires and I would urge them to come forward and contact Dorset Police in confidence or the Crimestoppers line anonymously as a matter or urgency.”

He stressed that when the police and fires services deal with a heath fire, their ability to respond to other incidents such as a serious road accident could be affected.

“It’s an indication of how seriously these heath fires are being taken that the Crimestoppers charity has been keen to offer this £250 reward.

“We need to prevent further heath fires and the culprit, or culprits, need to know that what they are doing is illegal and that they could be prosecuted for causing criminal damage.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.