Tackling the issue of arson in Winsford, Cheshire

Criminals don’t care, do you?

The campaign, titled ‘Criminals Don’t Care, Do You?,’ is asking local people to pass on information to the charity, completely anonymously, about those who are setting fire to wheelie bins in the Wharton estate and other parts of Winsford.

There have been 127 incidents of wheelie bins being set on fire deliberately since bonfire night in the Wharton estate.

Apart from the cost to local residents and the council of replacing the bins, plus the cost to the fire and rescue service and police attending the incidents, there is also the very real danger that property could be seriously damaged and lives could be lost.

The campaign

The campaign, which will run for four weeks, will consist of local residents receiving leaflets and Crimestoppers banners being placed in the area. We will also utilize social media to raise awareness of the dangers of this crime, and to encourage local people with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

“Winsford is traditionally a safe and quiet town that has low crime levels, so the fact there are such a large number of deliberate fires to wheelie bins is worrying for local residents.

“We want to ensure our streets are safe, and that local people are not worried that their homes or lives could be at risk by the senseless action of a small number of people. We need the help of the public to tell us who is carrying out these attacks. Information passed to us is completely anonymous, so nobody will know you have contacted us.”

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager for Crimestoppers

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Information passed to the police will not qualify for a reward.