Officers release footage and image of man as part of car fire investigation

Officers investigating recent reports of car fires in Basingstoke have issued CCTV images of a man they would like to speak with.

The man, who has been described as being slim, was wearing a tracksuit and was walking a small dog.

A man matching that description was seen at Cleaver Road (21/11/2024) and Attwood Close (25/12/2024) following reports of car fires in those areas. Please view a short video on our Basingstoke Cops Facebook page.

We know the images are not of the greatest quality, but if you recognise the man, his clothing, or the dog, then please contact us.

Officers believe the man may have vital information which may help with our investigation. If you are in the images, or if you know the man, please call police on 101, quoting 44240508669.

It comes after officers received reports that 14 vehicles had been set on fire in the west part of the town since Sunday 10 November. Officers have received reports that:

• A Peugeot 207 had been set on fire on Pinkerton Road at around 4am on 8 January (44250009307).
• A Renault Trafic had been set on fire on Goodman Close at around 3.15am on 25 December (44240559330).
• A Mini had been set on fire on Pinkerton Road at around 3.15am on 23 December (44240556409).
• A Suzuki Jimny had been set on fire at Winklebury Centre at around 5.45am on 13 December (44240541710)
• A Mini had been set on fire on Upper Sherbourne Road at around 6am on 13 December (44240541719).
• A Renault Clio (44240507219) and a Ford Fiesta (44240507413) had been set on fire on Cleaver Road at around 3.30am on 21 November.
• A Peugeot 207, Toyota Aygo, Vauxhall Viva and Volkswagen Polo had been set on fire on Butler Close at around 3.50am on 14 November (44240495928).
• A Kia Sportage (44240489639), Nissan Juke (44240489645) and a Mini One (44240489651) had been set on fire on Sycamore Way at around 3.30am on 10 November.

We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information which could help with our enquiries.

Were you in the areas at the times mentioned above? Did you witness any suspicious behaviour? Do you have any doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage which could help our investigation?

Basingstoke Town Inspector Charlie Ilderton said: “We know these incidents have caused concern in the local community.

“However I would like to reassure you that our officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries and extra patrols and are now in a position to release CCTV images of a man we would like to identify.

“We know the images are not of the greatest quality, but if you recognise him, think you may know who it is, or are aware of someone who walks a similar dog in the area, or if you have any other information about what happened, then please contact us. If you believe it is you in the CCTV, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting the crime reference numbers above.

You can also report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website: How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers