Emergency services unite to tackle wheelie bin arson

A spate of such arson attacks has taken place in and around the

Barnsley Road area over the last week.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said that wheelie bins are being stolen from people's homes before being set on fire "in public locations by individuals, for entertainment."

Simon Brookes from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: "Wheelie bin fires may start small, but they can escalate quickly and soon become life threatening, which can also divert resources away from more serious incidents.

"Residents can help reduce the arson risk by storing wheelie bins securely, helping neighbours and reporting any suspicious behaviour to the police."

Officers from both Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have been advising people to put bins out early on the morning of collection, rather than the night before.

They have also been asking people to take their bins in as soon as possible after collection, make sure the bin lids are closed, and store wheelie bins "safely and securely, wherever possible – limiting the opportunity for arson."

Patrols have also been carried out in the area by both firefighters and police officers to try and deter future offenders.

Sergeant Stephanie Smith from South Yorkshire Police said: "We are taking these incidents of anti-social behaviour very seriously and those who carry out such acts will find themselves being arrested for theft and criminal damage.

"We urge anyone with information on theses incidents to contact us immediately."