Public Safety Alert, Potential arsonist

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a potential arsonist.

It is reported that:

- during the week of April 14, 2013, several fires were started on porches of homes in the downtown area

- the fires were set between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

- the fires caused substantial damage to the homes and, in some cases, occupants who were asleep inside had to be evacuated

- in each case, there was debris on the porches including stacked newspapers, furniture or construction material

The Toronto Arson Task Force has the following suggestions:

• Use crime prevention techniques to secure your property and prevent unauthorized entry
• make sure all doors, windows, skylights are secured, paying attention to any entrances in alleys
• when the building is going to be left vacant for a period of time, make it look like it is occupied by utilizing timers on lights
• trim or remove shrubbery and other landscaping that block the view of the building from the street
• be mindful of strangers and report suspicious actions around homes, vacant buildings, schools, businesses, and other structures
• have neighbours watch over your property while you're away
• get rid of rubbish (it’s the arsonist's kindling and "cover" as it leaves the impression that the fire was spontaneous
• be active in local Neighbourhood and Business Watch programs
• develop and practice a fire safety plan with your family

For a more detailed list, please refer to the Toronto Arson Task Force website at www.toronto.ca/fire/tatf

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.