ASB reported prior to fire

Earlier today, via one of our Facebook pages, we shared information about a fire that broke out on Portsmouth Road, Woolston. The incident occurred around 7am, and fire crews were on the scene until shortly before 9:30am.

The fire broke in the lower level of a building, which has been derelict and boarded for quite some time. It’s close to Itchen Bridge, opposite two Doctor’s surgeries and right next door to a children’s nursery. 

As yet, we’re unsure on the cause of the fire, but concerningly it seems the building in question has been targeted before, especially in respect of anti social behaviour. 

A local suggested that youths are often at the site being loud, breaking glass and lighting small fires. She went on to explain that only yesterday three men tried to access the property with one climbing over the fence. He was unsuccessful in opening the gate to let the other two in, so soon enough all three went on their ‘merry’ way. 

More incidents similar to the above have occurred and police have been made aware. However, to get a true picture of hotspots for ASB, it’s vital that every instance is reported. Reporting may not always see immediate results, but statistics will be being analysed in an office somewhere and more reports for the same area will increase the likelihood of action being taken.

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