East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is welcoming the convictions of two men for arson and other crimes.
Following incidents in Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye, Michael Rodgers, 36, of Battle Road in St Leonards, and Kiarash Majidi, 37, of Grand Parade in St Leonards were sentenced in July and August.
At Lewes Crown Court on July 27, Majidi was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment.
Just under two weeks later, on Friday August 9, Rodgers was sentenced at Brighton Crown Court to two years and four months imprisonment.
Read more on the Sussex Police website: Two men sentenced in East Sussex arson and criminal damage series | Sussex Police
Arson reduction
Arson and deliberate fires are a problem for the Fire Service, the Police and the Ambulance Service. They endanger lives and divert valuable resources.
We are part of the FireStoppers and working in close partnership with the Police, local authorities, neighbourhood watch schemes and other agencies. We aim to educate and deter potential arsonists.
FireStoppers encourages people to share information about people they suspect are responsible for incidents of arson, anonymously, 24/7, 365 days a year.
We have these top tips for businesses and other properties.
Rubbish
Rubbish is a ready source of fuel for an arsonist, so fires involving rubbish can quickly spread to nearby homes and buildings putting lives at risk.
- Only put rubbish and recycling containers out on collection days
- If you miss a collection contact your local council to report it
- Never store rubbish or anything that can catch alight, in corridors, stairwells or escape routes
- Keep communal bin stores secure with good lighting to deter unwanted visitors or deliberate fires
- Store recycling containers a safe distance from buildings
- Don’t overload skips and get them removed when full
Security measures
One of the best ways to prevent arson is making sure your property is secure, including any derelict buildings.
- Keep entry points to buildings secure, including sheds or garages, perimeter walls, fencing and gates
- Board up and secure unused or derelict buildings
- Prevent intruders and trespassing by making sure perimeters and buildings are well maintained and any damage is repaired as soon as possible
- Consider installing security systems such as CCTV, alarms and security lighting
- Keep any flammable substances stored safely and securely, not left in the open
- Consider fitting a fire reduction letterbox
On the streets
Dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles are common targets for arsonists, you can help by reporting them to your local council.
- Report fly-tipping to your local council to get it collected quickly
- Report abandoned vehicles to your local council, as they can become a target for arson. They may cause damage to the environment from oil spills and the toxic smoke produced in a fire. Water used during fire fighting may also become polluted and affect sub-soils and water drainage systems
- Report suspicious behaviour to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or contact Sussex Police on 101 with information. (Always call 999 in an emergency.)