POLICE are appealing for people to report anything suspicious and not to leave flammable material outside their homes after a series of arson attacks in the past two months.
A garage fire in Exeter Close, Tilgate, at 4.56am and a storage cupboard fire in Hawkhurst Walk, Furnace Green, at 3.30am last Monday (January 23) are being linked to a night of arsons on December 18, in which five cars and a garage were set alight between 3.10am and 3.30am.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “We cannot discuss specific police tactics but we would ask the public to assist us in tracing this person or people and reporting anything suspicious.”
In December a Renault Clio was destroyed and a Mistshubishi Shogun was damaged by a fire in a parking area in Anderson Road, Tilgate.
A VW Polo was later destroyed in Sylvan Road, Furnace Green, and the fire spread to a detached garage which had been converted into a living space.
No one was injured during any of the fires.
Richard Davy, West Sussex Fire and Rescue deputy district commander for Crawley and Mid Sussex, said the recent spate of deliberate fires was a cause for concern.
He said: “Fortunately, crews have so far managed to stop them spreading and limited the damage, but there is always the potential for these fires to spread and put people’s lives at serious risk.
“However, residents can feel reassured that the fire and rescue service are working closely with Sussex Police to prevent further fires and where possible identify those responsible.
“The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to make sure you have a smoke alarm fitted on each level of your home. A smoke detector won’t prevent arson but it will give you that crucial early warning to a fire and give you time to escape safely.”
Police are also linking the arsons to a theft of sunglasses from a Vauxhall Zafiri near Sylvan Road on December 18.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 0089 of 23/1 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.