By Lynne Stewart

A SENIOR Tayside fire officer has branded the actions of thieves who removed valves from the only means of tackling fires in high-rise flats “completely idiotic” and potentially deadly.

Metal valves, worth almost £2000, were stolen from dry riser units in the stairwell of Elders Court multi-storey block between 2am and 2.25am on Tuesday.

The units consist of pipes that are fitted the length of the building and are essential to provide firefighters with a water supply to tackle fires.

Tayside Fire and Rescue Group Manager Steve Herron explained that if valves are missing the necessary water pressure to tackle fires, particularly on the highest floors, is lost.

There are 120 homes in the 15-storey block mainly housing elderly people as well as residents with small children and babies.

Mr Herron said, “This is a massive problem to us. It could have absolutely massive consequences. This is a completely idiotic act.

“If you live on the 15th floor and somebody removes a valve then the only method we have of putting a fire out that high up is gone.

“If these dry riser units are tampered with or vandalised there are two problems.

“Firstly, if there’s a fire high enough and the water is being allowed to escape from outlets due to missing valves then the water pressure from the mains is affected.

“Also, if water is escaping there is a risk of flooding.”

Mr Herron urged the council to replace the valves as a matter of urgency to ensure the lives of the residents who live in the block are not jeopardised.

“If we don’t have a plentiful supply of water then we can’t do our job to the best of our ability,” he said.

“I find this astonishing that somebody should tamper with such potentially lifesaving equipment.

“Tenants should be vigilant. If they notice anyone acting suspiciously in the early hours of the morning then they should report it to the police and if anyone has information about those responsible for this act then again, I would urge them to get in touch with the police.”

Lochee West Councillor Jill Shimi was appalled to learn of the theft and vowed to rectify the problem immediately.

“This is an absolutely deplorable act of wanton vandalism. It could put people’s lives at risk,” she said.

“There are a lot of elderly people that live in Elders Court and this could have had very serious consequences.

“I join in with the fire service to appeal to anyone with information about this intolerable act. The possible consequences are quite unthinkable.

“I take this very seriously and will be acting on this immediately. Where health and safety is concerned we act promptly. This could have a dire outcome and we will be on to it right away.”

Police said they are keen to trace two men who were seen at Elders Court around the time the metal valves were stolen from the dry riser units in the stairwell of the multi-storey block.

Two men who were seen in the area before driving off in a dark blue M or N-registered Ford Mondeo, west along South Road, are both aged in their 30s.

One is five feet eight, slim, with short dark hair shaved at the sides and tattoos on both inner forearms.

At the time he wore a black jacket and black tracksuit bottoms.

The other is five feet seven and has fair hair in a crew cut style. He wore a khaki/camouflage jacket.

Those responsible would have created a fair amount of noise while stealing the valves.

Anyone with information should call police on 01382 223200.