'Disappointment' as no one charged after 7 cars set on fire in Chesterfield
“Thankfully, the police believe this was an isolated incident, though it is disappointing that no one has been charged.”
Two people were arrested after seven cars were set on fire in a Chesterfield area - but no one has been charged.
Emergency services were called to reports of a car on fire in Holme Hall just before 1am on Friday, July 24.
Officers discovered cars ablaze at a number of locations including Hipley Close, Gower Crescent, Shap Close, Highbury Road and three cars at Oakamoor Close.
Adrian Rimington, chair of the Chesterfield Pensioners Convention and a Holme Hall resident, was left concerned by the incidents and disappointed by a lack of action from police.
He said he has been trying to set up a meeting with officers for weeks and was told there was no further risk and ‘not enough funding’ to increase patrols in response to the arson incidents.
Mr Rimington said: “They need to take care of the situation in Holme Hall for people to feel safe.”
Further concerns were raised throughout August and September, with police noting a number of incidents involving anti-social behaviour, drug use and anti-social use of bikes across Holme Hall.
Mr Rimington took his concerns to Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, who has since met with Derbyshire police.
He was told the arsons reported were treated as an isolated incident but police have now increased patrols in the Holme Hall area in response to anti-social behaviour and drug use.
Mr Perkins said: “Many thanks to Adrian for raising these important issues with me.
“I understand the concern caused by the vehicle fires in July and wider worries about anti-social behaviour and police visibility.
“The police have informed me that two people were arrested in connection with the July fires but were unable to establish sufficient evidence to prove that they had committed the offence.
“Thankfully, the police believe this was an isolated incident, though it is disappointing that no one has been charged.
“The police also tell me that, from 1 October, the police have made drug-related anti-social behaviour and nuisance bikes local priorities for the area.
“This includes targeted patrols in hotspot areas, intelligence-led action against suspected drug-related activity and enforcement against nuisance bikes where appropriate.
“The police report acquisitive crime in the area is down by 7%, but I do appreciate that repeated antisocial behaviour can make people feel unsafe in their own communities.
“I would encourage people to report all incidents to the police, and to contact my office to make me aware.
“I will continue to work with Derbyshire Constabulary to ensure Holme Hall receives appropriate attention from local policing teams.”
Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed that the force has increased patrols and seven illegal bikes have been seized and a number of people arrested for drug dealing offences.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: “As a force we are all too aware of the impact anti-social behaviour can and does have on our communities.
“We are committed to doing all we can to tackle it, and this usually requires a much wider response than just policing.
“This is why we work with partners and other organisations right across the county to address the root causes that can lead to anti-social behaviour.
“We have recently increased police patrols in the Holme Hall area of Chesterfield as we look to tackle drugs and the anti-social use of illegal off-road and e-bikes.”