A project aimed at reducing the number of deliberate grass fires over the Easter holidays is returning.
Project Bernie is run in partnership between Gwent Police, Caerphilly County Borough Council and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. It was first launched two years ago.
Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said: “This excellent project uses a combination of techniques to tackle the issue of deliberate grass fires – an issue which traditionally sees an increase during the Easter holiday period.
“Through diversionary activities, high visibility patrols and by raising awareness among the local community, we have achieved outstanding results so far and I hope that we see similar results again this year.”
From Monday March 25, Caerphilly Youth Services, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Rugby Union will be hosting an extensive two-week programme of activities.
Youngsters will be able to enjoy workshops including theatrical make-up, DJ and MC skills, jewellery making, and will also have the opportunity to experience the life of a fire fighter for a day.
With a climbing wall, X Box tournaments and rugby camps organised by the Welsh Rugby Union, there will be plenty on offer to keep youngsters occupied, entertained and educated throughout the Easter period.
Caerphilly Partnership Sergeant, Rob Davies said: “Focusing our efforts to reduce the damage caused by the deliberate setting of grass fires in our communities is a priority for us at this time of the year. Police and partners will be patrolling in the grass land areas, so don’t be surprised to see uniformed officers in areas where you would not perhaps expect them to be.
“The setting of deliberate fires is a crime and destroys the environment in which we live. Project Bernie sends the message that there are many other constructive things to do to entertain yourself, as opposed to destroying your own environment. Please remember, we will enforce the law against anyone setting deliberate, destructive fires in our community.”
A recent police patrol in Bargoed on Sunday March 17, following a grass fire near the town centre, saw five youths stopped and questioned. One youth was found to be in possession of a lighter, and subsequently the group admitted their part in starting the fire. Each individual received an Anti-social Behaviour Order referral and will be enrolled on the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Young Fire Setters Programme as an intervention measure.
The number of incidents involving deliberate fires fell substantially by 68% in the Bargoed area last year, reducing from 53 in 2011 to 17 in 2012. During the 2 weeks prior to school term Easter holidays in 2012, the Bargoed and Aberbargoed areas, which have historically experienced high levels of incidents, saw a 15% decrease whilst each of the other participating Local Authorities experienced an increase.