St Paul Cruisers Set Afire Again

10/24/02
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Another incident of torching police cars was
discovered Tuesday by police officials.

Last month, an arsonist destroyed six vehicles in a lot where the
vehicles were parked.

At that time, the city council was not inclined to spend money to
erect a fence around the lot.

Chief William Finney was also more interested in catching the
perpetrator and prosecuting him.

With this new incident, city officials are pondering whether to
spend funds to safeguard the vehicles.

In the latest incident a rope dipped in a flammable liquid had
been wrapped around the seven cars and set ablaze.

All of the vehicles were brand new and slightly scorched from the fire. 
They were in the lot to be prepared for use on the road by officers.

The lot is unfenced and not inspected on a regular basis. It generally 
holds about 60 vehicles at a time.

A suspect has been identified, but not charged. The man has a history 
of stealing police vehicles and then driving around St. Paul.

Authorities estimate $10,000 will be needed to fence the area. 
Even that is not guarantee of stopping a committed arsonist or
stealing a police vehicle.

Surveillance cameras are also being considered. City council
members are divided over the issue of spending money on more
security or whether funds would be better spent by hiring
more street officers.


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Backup news staff writer Richard Rogers

http://www.thebackup.com/seaxchl/archives_newsdetail.asp?1d=344270126