Residents in Rumney are concerned over the number of arson attacks taking place in the area over the summer months.
Six residents from Northlands in the east Cardiff ward attended this week's partnerships and communities together meeting (PACT) at Rumney Gospel Hall to voice their worry and anger at the recent fires.
But PSCO Tim Jones assured residents the police had recently had a crackdown on combating arson attacks in Catherine's Park behind their homes - and that they are working with the council and fire service to monitor the problem. Jones said:
"A number of things have been put into place and each party is doing their own bit. I have been back and forth there almost every day and not seen anybody there and I'm not aware of any further fires."
But later in the meeting one resident said a fire just three weeks ago had destroyed his neighbours garden and shed – and all the residents reported the perpetrators to be young children. The resident said:
"We're concerned about the fires. It's been going on for quite a long time. Over the years there have been fires and this year has been very bad. The one a few weeks ago started and spread very quickly. The council used to come and cut back the over growth."
Local ward councillor John Ireland said a site visit had taken place with the crime prevention officer at Cardiff Council and he invited residents to come up with a plan for how to move forward. Speaking after the meeting he said:
"We're planning on going into the schools when they come back and giving out leaflets on an open day with the children to educate them on the fires and what happens if a fire is started.
"I'm waiting to see what the residents also come up with as a plan of action but options are things like maybe putting up fences."
Another resident said she had rung the non-emergency 101 service to report a separate offence in which youths in the area were acting in a threatening manner. She said:
"I rang 101 and the man on the other end of the line was absolutely useless. The youths there were being really stroppy."
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said if a resident wished to make a formal complaint about the 101 service they could do so.
Speeding on Newport Road
Police also addressed problems with speeding on Newport Road at the PACT meeting. PCSO Jones said two targeted operations had taken place, one on 13 July and one on Tuesday this week. Drivers were arrested for a number of offences including driving without a licence and careless driving and this week six people were seized for offences including one stolen vehicle.
South Wales Police said they would continue to run operations each month on Newport Road to combat speeding as well as auto number plate recognition operations, with feedback being brought to residents through the PACT meetings.
The PACT priorities set at the meeting included the arson attacks and parking problems.
To find out more about your local PACT meeting go to ourbobby.com.
