BURY'S fire chief has launched a borough-wide appeal to help reduce the number of arson attacks on cars.

The plea by Bury service borough commander Pete Riley coincides with the release of figures which show that since April last year 57 vehicles had been deliberately set alight in the area.

That equates to a cost to society of £290,700.

Figures produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister state that the average cost of a car fire is approximately £5,100. This takes into account the cost of the vehicle, insurance claims, removal costs, fire service attendance, police investigations and other factors.

Mr Riley wants Bury residents to be more vigilant and report the theft of vehicles and any abandoned cars as quickly as possible to cut the chances of them being set on fire by thieves and vandals.

He said motorists should make sure their car is locked and, where possible, fitted with an alarm.

He added: "If you believe a vehicle has been abandoned, report it to the police before it becomes a fire statistic. In some cases, abandoned vehicles can be removed within hours of being reported on 0161 872 5050. Your call will be redirected to the appropriate area department."

Anyone who witnesses any such crimes, contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.