Attacks on firefighters have almost trebled in 12 months, latest figures show.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has released figures which reveal a 158% increase in the number of attacks against crews between April 2016 and March of this year.
Crews have been subjected to verbal and physical abuse and had objects, including bricks and fireworks thrown at them as they’ve responded to calls.
Caerphilly County Borough registered the third highest share of attacks at 16%, behind Newport (23%) and Cardiff (19%).
In the space of a year, the amount of attacks across the SWFRS area rose from 12 to 31, with nine attacks alone in November 2016.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is now working with Crimestoppers and Gwent Police to help reduce the number of attacks and bring offenders to justice.
Matthew Jones, Head of the Fire Crime Unit at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our job is to save lives and protect property, but when we’re responding to emergency calls the last thing our firefighters expect is to be assaulted.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line to keep communities safe and to be treated with such a lack of respect sometimes is, quite frankly, appalling.
“We have a zero tolerance approach to these attacks and people behind them are committing a serious crime. Those responsible will be reported, caught and dealt with accordingly by our police colleagues.”
Gwent PCC, Jeff Cuthbert, added: “These attacks are totally unacceptable and this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in Gwent.
“People who work for the emergency services have very demanding roles and I just can’t fathom why anybody would want to physically attack people whose very purpose it is to help keep our communities safe – it just goes beyond reasoning.
“These mindless attacks are carried out by a small minority, but unfortunately put communities across south Wales at serious risk by endangering lives.
“This is not harmless fun and could potentially have serious consequences.”
Ella Rabaiotti, Wales Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “If you have any information on attacks against fire crews in South Wales, you can report anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers by phoning us or through our website.”
Who on Earth would attack a fireman/woman when they are doing their job, rescuing people and putting out fires? This indicates that educational and social standards are at a low ebb at the moment.
Sub-Human idiots are the type who attack our emergency service people Richard. As for educational and social standards being at a low ebb at the moment, I would suggest one step further, and say that those standards have vanished off the face of the planet. People just do not care anymore, they think its their god given right to do what ever they want to do all in the name of fun, despite anyone elses views. I believe anyone who is caught committing these acts should face a very heavy fine, and IF they are juveniles then the parents should also be fined for their lack of parenting skills. There is no excuse for this type of behaviour. Our emergency services do a great job and they should be supported in their work, not attacked by mindless scum.
Totally agree with your comments Paul,these idiots need to be taught a lesson and given a short sharp shock.
I would even go as far as jailing them.
As you say the standards we used to have disappeared a long time ago.
We have an upcoming generation who seem to believe they are entitled to everything;can do and say what they like with impunity and that their views and beliefs must be right – regardless of what other members of society think.
And the worst part ? – society and the authorities seem to go out of their way to keep them sweet, ensuring that their attitudes are unchallenged.
Our emergency services personnel must be respected and protected.
Disgusting utterly disgraceful. We must have new laws to protect our emergency service workers. The courts must be tough on these idiots. sadly we have created this society by being too soft, disapline has long gone in this country.
And that should include naming & shaming the perpetrators – regardless of their age.
Communities should know who they are – they shouldn’t be allowed the privilege of secrecy.
Just forgot to add, why is the police crime commissoner commenting on this, surely we should have a quote from an actual senior police office or at the very least a constable.
Thats a very good point – why no direct comment from Gwent Police ?
Surely their officers are assaulted daily whilst carrying out their duties – so why aren’t they speaking out ?