HAY BALES have been set alight in the last two weeks and Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service are advising farmers and members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Locally, between 7:40pm and 7:55pm on Friday 2nd September 2011, a stack of bales in a field were set alight on Back Lane, Burton Pidsea.

The police are working closely with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to investigate this incident and are appealing for the community to come forward with any information they may have.

Officers are also asking farmers to take some crime prevention steps including:

1. Assessing the risk – a quick survey round your premises will identify areas where an arsonist could strike.

2. Whenever possible, hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible and should be stored separately from other buildings, particularly those housing fuels, agrochemicals and machinery.

3. Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas and storage tank outlets should be padlocked.

4. Fertilisers and pesticides should be kept secure in locked storage and refuse disposed of on a regular basis.

If in doubt, contact Humberside Fire and Rescue Service for advice.

5. If a fire is discovered:

• Call the Fire Service immediately.
• Send someone to the farm entrance to direct the Fire Service on arrival.
• Prepare to evacuate livestock if they are nearby.
• Identify cylinders or hazards to the Fire Service.
• Identify water supplies to the Fire Service.
• Prepare to use available farm machinery to assist the Fire Service if this is requested by them.

Walkers and those out and about in the countryside can also help by being vigilant, and if you see anyone acting suspiciously, ring the Police on 0845 60 60 222 or 999 if a crime is in progress. If it is safe to do so, take details of vehicles or descriptions of suspicious people or vehicles you see.

Anyone with any information about the arson in Burton Pidsea is asked to contact Humberside Police on 0845 60 60 222 quoting crime reference 1860309 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.