It happened again last night in Assen; the seventh car fire in a period of ten days. The rapid series of incidents makes several residents feel unsafe and the police are extra vigilant.
The first of the series of car fires occurred at the beginning of last week in Talmastraat. Two more cars later caught fire in the same street. In addition, there were car fires on Smetanalaan, Mr. PJ Troelstralaan and in the Maasstraat. Late last night a car was on fire in the Ingenieur JW Albardastraat.
Due to many incidents in a short period of time, deliberate action is a realistic scenario, according to the police. “We are also taking arson into account in the latter case,” says a police spokesperson. “A bang was also heard by local residents last night. It appears that a piece of heavy fireworks exploded near a house. We are investigating whether this is related to this car fire.”
Although the car fires occur in quick succession, it is still unclear whether one person is responsible. According to the spokesperson, all possible traces are included in the investigation – from forensic material to camera images – to get the most complete picture of the situation as possible. The police are also conducting extra patrols.
“You could see the new car fire as seventh in the row. We are now also doing that in our research,” the spokesperson said. “But we also have to be careful and keep several options open. Because it is of course not certain that one person caused all these fires.”
“For example, there may also be copycat behavior. That is why we cannot immediately link everything together,” says the spokesperson. Copycat behavior involves someone consciously imitating someone else.
The series of fires has left residents of the affected streets concerned. “We understand the impact on the feeling of safety. That is why it is important that signals are shared. If you see something suspicious, report it. No matter how small, it can ultimately lead to a breakthrough,” the spokesperson emphasizes.