BEACH hut owners at Felixstowe are being offered tips on how to protect their property following the arson attack which destroyed two chalets.Police are still hunting the vandals who torched two huts just south of The Dip and damaged two others earlier this week.
BEACH hut owners at Felixstowe are being offered tips on how to protect their property following the arson attack which destroyed two chalets.
Police are still hunting the vandals who torched two huts just south of The Dip and damaged two others earlier this week.
Suffolk Coastal council – which rents the hut sites to the owners – has issued advice, based on information from Suffolk Constabulary's crime prevention officer, Sally Scott.
"The police recommend that easily removable items of value should be taken out, including food and alcohol," said a council spokesman.
"Good quality padlocks and shutters on windows are also suggested to prevent damage and restrict access.
"Small internal alarms can be bought for only £8 from Felixstowe police station. These make a loud piercing tone if there is any movement or if the door is opened, and these may be enough to scare off anybody up to no good."
The police have asked people to report to them if any suspicious persons or vehicles are seen around the beach huts, preferably with descriptions and registration numbers.
The council has also negotiated a discount rate with an insurance company.
Towry Law offers a 20 per cent discount on insurance for all beach huts in Suffolk Coastal, with a minimum premium of £81.80 offering £1,500 of cover. "All beach hut owners have been informed about the scheme as taking out insurance offers the reassurance that the owner has the comfort of being able to claim for any loss or damage to their beach hut, and any follow-up clearance works," said the council spokesman.The latest fire happened at about 11pm on Monday.
Two fire crews attended. Firefighters managed to stop the flames spreading to nearby huts, but had to deal with a gas cylinder inside one of them.
If anyone saw anything suspicious at the time, particularly anyone running away from the beach huts, they are asked to
contact Felixstowe police on 01473 383300.s
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