Fireraising is a problem that refuses to go away in Levenmouth with a further spike in incidents prompting fears for public safety.
Between April and December last year, there was a 40% rise in deliberate fireraising compared to the same period the previous year.
That was against a backdrop of falling fireraising rates across Fife, with the region recording a 13.5% drop in incidents.
Concerns have repeatedly been raised about deliberate fire-setting in the area, with police pledging to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.
In January a serial Levenmouth firebug was jailed for two years for embarking on a crime spree during which he left a woman trapped in her home after setting wheelie bins alight.
The area has been hit by deliberate fires on numerous occasions, with local landmarks Brannigan’s, the former Denbeath Club and Silverburn House targeted by vandals in recent years.
The latest figures show a continuing trend in Levenmouth. Vandals started more than four blazes every week of 2017/18, adding up to 207 in total – up from 143 the previous year and 130 in 2015/16.
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Councillors on Fife Council’s education, protective services and community safety committee will be given the latest performance report from Police Scotland’s Fife Division on Thursday.
The report states: “The majority of reported fire-raisings in the Levenmouth area related to bins, followed by vehicles and then bushes and vegetation.
“Detected offenders are predominantly male – 84% – with 44% aged 15 years or under. A further 40% of detected offenders are aged between 16 and 25 years.
“Education and prevention continue to be prioritised with a multiagency approach between the police, fire service and Safer Communities Team to address the issues in Levenmouth.”
Local Labour Councillor David Graham said “I am concerned to see the continued upward trend of fireraising in our community.
“As well as the issue being a nuisance for the communities that it happens in it also comes with huge safety risks as there is absolutely no control on these fires which could have devastating consequences.
“I am aware that all the services across the council and emergency services are working together to firstly deal with the communities’ concerns and help with education of those involved on the real risks that are involved in this type of activity.
“I urge the community to continue to report issues to the relevant services.”
Local SNP councillor John O’Brien added: “It’s pure vandalism setting fire to wheelie bins. Pure vandalism that costs the taxpayer money.
“More education in schools is needed to let youngsters know the implications to themselves and the community.”
