FIRE chiefs are appealing to local residents to play their part to help win the battle to stop arson.

The rallying call comes just days after Cleveland Fire Brigade launched its latest campaign declaring ‘Enough is Enough’ and warning arsonists they will be caught.

Arson accounts for around seven out of ten fires across Cleveland and costs taxpayers millions of pounds every year.

Phil Lancaster, the brigade’s director of community protection, said: “We work very closely with communities across Cleveland to prevent deliberate fires, but we need the continued support of local people to stop arson once and for all.

“We have some simple tips which we urge residents to follow to deter arsonists and help people stay safe in their homes.

“Fires involving rubbish and bins can easily spread to your home so I am urging residents throughout Cleveland to adopt the following simple advice.

“Ensure your wheelie bin and black bags are not left lying around; put your wheelie bin or black bags out on the day of collection and then your bin should be brought back in as soon as possible; and if you are throwing out old furniture or other household items call your Council to arrange a collection and keep them in a secure area until the collection takes place.”

If anyone wishes to report any suspected arsonists confidentially they should call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111. Alternatively, call the Police non emergency number 101.