Leicester police alert over wheelie bin arson attacks
Police have warned householders in Leicester against leaving wheelie bins out at night following a spate of arson attacks.
Over the past four weeks at least 15 bins have been set alight in the Braunstone Firth area of the city.
In some cases the burning bins have been pushed up against property causing fire damage to fencing and buildings.
Leicester City Council has previously fined people who leave bins outside their homes.
Sgt Adam Wardle, from New Parks neighbourhood policing team, said: "Fortunately the damage so far has been slight and no-one has been injured. However, there are always dangers when fire is involved.
"We would ask householders to keep their bins secured whenever possible, and only put them out on the morning they are due for collection. That is Friday morning for the majority of New Parks residents.
"We will carry out extra patrols to try to catch the culprits, and I would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious or who has information which could help to call us straight away on 999."
Councillor Sarah Russell from Leicester City Council said: "This worrying spate of arson is a clear example of why the city council takes action to encourage people to keep their bins off streets.
"It is not about fines and enforcement, which we will only use as a last resort. Keeping bins off streets is about saving property and lives."