Fire attack spree hits high-value vehicles

Arsonists are targeting high-value lorries and diggers in a spate of crimes sweeping part of the Black Country.

A £60,000 JCB was destroyed on a building site in Tipton yesterday, followed by another attack on a separate construction site in the town. On Monday, two lorries containing septic waste were damaged in Oldbury. A few weeks ago, arsonists hit a metal firm in Great Bridge three times in 48 hours.

The £60,000 JCB was parked at the building site of the new new doctors surgery in St Marks Road, Tipton, when it was hit between midnight and 12.50am yesterday.

Police spokeswoman Pav Shergill said: "The offenders appear to have emptied diesel from the JCB and then used it to set the vehicle alight. The JCB has been severely damaged and can't be repaired, causing a loss of nearly £60,000."

The next attack on a JCB took place some time before 7.15am yesterday in Upper Church Lane. Miss Shergill added: "A similar incident took place at the Redrow Homes building site.

"On this occasion, the offenders have tried to break into a portable building on the site but were unsuccessful. They have then smashed the window of a parked JCB digger."

The cabs of two HGVs were gutted in an arson attack at Cabin Centre Ltd on the Autobase industrial park in Tipton Road, Tividale, on Monday. Fire crews from Oldbury and Handsworth were called at 8.50pm.

Oldbury crew commander Tom Bell said: "We were there for two hours and the cabs of both lorries were destroyed. We are treating it as suspected arson."

In March, arsonists targeted Corus Metal Centre in Whitehall Road, Great Bridge, three times in 48 hours. A 26-ton lorry worth £60,000 was destroyed in the first arson attack at 10pm on March 5, followed by attacks on March 6 and 7.

Anyone with information can call the police on 0345 113 5000.