Harrogate Police are appealing for information after a series of incidents at a a local property.
The flat, at Bilton Grange Close, Harrogate, has been subject to criminal damage on a weekly basis since the beginning of August, leaving the resident – a woman in her 60s – very shaken. Incidents include windows being smashed and offensive graffiti – and an attempted arson on Friday 30 September 2016, when two bottles of suspected flammable liquid were placed outside the front door.
Inspector Penny Taylor, of Harrogate Police, said:
These escalating incidents are a real concern. Had the liquid been lit and taken hold, it could have endangered the life of the victim and other families in the block of flats. Understandably, the victim is very shaken by the latest incident.
Police, the local authority and the Fire and Rescue Service are working closely together, and taking this matter extremely seriously.
One line of enquiry is that the attacks could be a case of mistaken identity, as the victim has lived in the community for a number of years without any problems.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information about the incidents to contact them as a matter of urgency. Please dial 101, select option 2, and ask for DC Andrew Rawlings or the Harrogate Serious Crime Team. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 12160177751 when passing information.
