A series of suspicious fires has put the residents of the tight-knit community of Kinross on edge.
Tayside Police believe the incidents could be linked and there have been hints that a single teenage fire-raiser or group of fire-raisers could be responsible.
Additional police have been deployed on the town’s streets and there has been an increase in high-visibility patrols as efforts are made to catch whoever is responsible.
Despite the high-profile police response, the incidents continue, however, and for the first time a building was set alight on Tuesday evening.
Senior officers from the police and Tayside Fire and Rescue met in Kinross on Wednesday to discuss a plan of action and coordinate efforts on the town’s streets.
Community Sergeant Sandra Williams moved to reassure the community that every possible step is being taken to catch those responsible for what have been described as ”mindless” crimes.
The suspicious incidents began around two weeks ago when a number of cars were set alight in the popular and usually quiet town. Then in three separate incidents, between Friday and Tuesday evening, a further seven cars were set alight and damaged, together with bins and a derelict building.
Residents have admitted that they are concerned by what is taking place and are worried their property could be targeted next. Those who spoke to The Courier asked not to be named.
One man whose vehicle was left badly damaged following one of the fires said: ”I received a call from a neighbour to let me know what had happened. They’ve made a real mess of my vehicle and I’m still assessing the damage.
”Someone has put a lot of effort and thought into this I don’t know whether it is a kid or a group of kids. Maybe they think this is just like a computer game.”
Another Kinross resident who woke to find that nearby property had been targeted said: ”It is really worrying. I know that a building was set alight and that there have been a number of car fires too.
”Thankfully, they haven’t come down our street yet. Like everyone else we’re just hoping that it won’t be our car next.”
Officers from Tayside Police were joined on the streets of Kinross by firefighters to carry out ”street briefings” aimed at offering reassurance and advice to the community.
Uniformed officers have also been joined in the town by detectives and will carry out door-to-door inquiries in the coming days.
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Sgt Williams said: ”There have now been a number of incidents and we are treating these as serious as they have been the cause of damage to property and could have been the cause of possible injury and threat to life.
”The first thing is to gather as much information as we can from the public. We need to work with the residents of Kinross as undoubtedly the answer to who are responsible lies out in the community.”
The officer added: ”To have such a spate of incidents is not commonplace in this or any other community.
”It is out of the ordinary and sometimes that in itself can make the public more likely to react and help us find out who is responsible and bring them to justice.”
Tayside Fire and Rescue group manager Billy McLintock said: ”We are working very closely with the police to deal with the sporadic fires that we’ve seen in the Kinross area. These types of incidents could have very serious consequences for the safety of members of the public.”
The problem began in earnest on Friday when three cars and a wheelie bin near the High Street and Old Causeway were set on fire between 7.30pm and midnight, and were badly damaged.
A charity clothing bin in the grounds of Kinross Primary School was set on fire on Monday, with emergency services called out at around 8.45pm.
A further three vehicles and a building were set on fire on Tuesday evening.
The first two vehicle fires occurred at around 5pm in the area of Station Road and Lomond Mews, with the third near the Green Hotel at 6.40pm.
As the emergency services arrived at the hotel fire, a male described as 5ft 9in and aged 15 to 16 and wearing a black jacket with grey hoodie underneath was seen acting suspiciously and running off.
A derelict building in Pier Road was targeted at around 8.15pm.
A spokesman for Tayside Police said: ”While we must keep an open mind in respect of our inquiries into these incidents, we cannot rule out the possibility that they are connected. We would appeal to anyone who can assist our investigation to come forward before another incident takes place.
”We would also urge parents to warn their children about the risks associated with fire and also take an interest in what their children are doing during the holidays.”
Anyone who spots an ongoing incident should dial 999.
Information can also be given at any police office or by calling 0300 1112222, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.