There were nine farm fires started deliberately in the first six months of this year across the Avon and Somerset area.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that the nine cases of arson resulted in barns, hay bales and farm machinery burning.
The Bristol area had five cases of arson on farms from January to August. Two were in Dundry and one in Alveston, Clutton and Winford.
Two teenage boys were arrested for setting fire to a barn in Winford on July 9.
The fire was set between 3 and 4pm on Saturday, July 9 at the barn off Barrow Lane.
Crews from nine fire stations had to attend the fire, which caused significant damage to the building as well as more than 3,000 bales of hay, a tractor and spreader.
The barn in Winton on fire. Picture: Avon Fire and Rescue Service (Image: Avon Fire and Rescue Service)
In Clutton a large barn storing hay and farm machinery was set fire to on the afternoon of August 21.
The barn could not be saved - and neither could the hay or tractor inside.
The Yeovil area had two cases of arson on farms in East Chinnock and Mandeville.
One case of arson was confirmed in Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton and another in Puriton near Bridgwater.
All nine agricultural fires are being treated by police as arson and criminal damage.
Rural Affairs Unit Sergeant Katie Maun said: “Agricultural arson is a reckless and irresponsible act which can have a damaging impact of business and people's livelihoods.
“We are making every effort to hold those responsible for such offences to account and seek justice for victims of rural crime.
“Our officers work closely with the farming community and provide crime prevention, this includes installation of fire warning systems such as alarms and water systems and good quality CCTV.
“Farm owners can also join our Farm Watch scheme. This service aims to reduce local opportunities for rural crime and reinforce community spirit, as well as introducing early warning systems. For more information on Farm Watch, visit our website: Farm Watch | Avon and Somerset Police
“If you see any suspicious behaviour, arson or other rural crime being committed, please call the police on 101 (non-emergency, not going on at that time) or 999 (emergency or ongoing crime).”
Three of the fires were started in July, two in August and in April, and one in both February and May.
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