CCTV cameras are to be installed at a disused Aberdeen factory after the building was hit by a series of deliberate fires in one week.
Emergency services were called to the former Broadford Works factory on Thursday following reports of a blaze within the building.
Fire crews were originally called to the site at around 12.30pm to extinguish “multiple fires within the building” and were forced to return after another call at 4.05pm with part of the building again in flames.
Now, Aberdeen City Council has confirmed it will install CCTV to monitor the factory. The camera, which will be linked to Grampian Police and monitored by the force, will capture images of anyone accessing the site who is unauthorised to do so.
Patrols by City Wardens and members of the council’s Antisocial Behaviour Investigation Team (ASBIT) will also be increased in the streets surrounding the complex to ensure anything untoward is reported to the relevant authorities swiftly.
Aberdeen City Council’s community safety and building standards teams said they will continue to work with Grampian Police, Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and the private owner of the Broadford Works to try to prevent further incidents.
Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said: "Crimes of this nature create a significant risk to the public and the emergency services who respond to them. We will work with the property owner to secure the site and prevent further fires.
“We will continue to engage with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and Aberdeen City Council and recognise the support of local businesses and the local community in tackling this issue.
"We would also ask for the support of parents in assisting by impressing on their children that this is not a safe environment to frequent. Grampian Police will continue to patrol the area and welcome the introduction of CCTV by Aberdeen City Council.
"Officers are investigating the fires on Thursday and Friday and are following positive lines of inquiry. Both investigations are ongoing and we would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist us with those inquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 600 5 700 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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