Alarm raised over Easter Ross fires

POLICE have spoken to pupils at Easter Ross schools in a bid to spread the word on safety following a spate of fire-raising incidents.

Police confirmed a "significant" number of incidents in the Westford/Firhill area of Alness involving youths setting small fires and stealing wheelie bins before setting them on fire. Northern Constabulary has stepped up patrols in the areas. Inspector David Greenlees told the Journal, "Police are concerned about this trend and are involved in joint visits to schools with the fire service to educate children regarding the possible consequences of such activities."

In the meantime, two males were arrested in relation to setting fire to a wheelie bin in the Joss Street area of Invergordon on Sunday, November 13. A garden fence was also damaged in this incident.

Enquiries are ongoing following a break-in at the Spar store in Dingwall’s High Street two weeks ago.

Enquiries into thefts of diesel in the Dingwall area resulted in the arrest of five males who live in the area. A significant quantity of diesel was recovered during the course of these enquiries. Police are also probing similar thefts across the Ross shire area, they confirmed this week.