STOP PLAYINC WITH FIRE
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It's a strange coincidence that Commercial Motor should be devoting a three-page feature to arson in the same week that Gloucester Police are investigating an incendiary attack on an operator's yard in the Forest of Dean. But what motivated this latest outrage? As CM closed for press this week the police were pursuing a number of leads, including the possibility that it was linked to animal rights activists. That's for them to determine. Leaving aside the contentious issue of whether animals have rights—we'll leave that to the philosophers—we'll ask a simpler question: does the defence of any liberty, be it animal,vegetable,or mineral, justify literally playing with fire? So far, touch (charred and smouldering) wood, no-one has been hurt in these attacks. But it can surely only be a matter of time before someone is badly injured, or worse. As West Essex fire investigation officer Jack lmrie warns: "One day a driver will be killed while he is asleep because they (the arsonists) normally break a small window and pull bedding through to set light to the cab." Will one dead driver or haulier wipe out all the sins of the human race? It will not. Does anyone really believe that firebombing a road haulier's yard is going to alter the lifestyle of 50 million people? What every extremist fails to realise is that shooting the messenger seldom changes the message. To do that you need to persuade the letter writer—and you can't do that with a can of petrol and some rags. Of course some fires are nothing to do with principles at all. They're simply the red-hot result of a old fashioned grudge: if you can't beat 'em, burn 'ern. Either way, the question any haulier must ask is:"Am I a
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target?" If you think it could only happen to hauliers carrying meat or animal relatedproducts then turn to page 34 and think again.The secret to avoiding a firebomb attack is the same as preventing vehicle theft.. good security. Don't assume it won't happen to you in the future just because it hasn't happened in the past. On page 36 you'll find some practical advice on how to keep the firebugs at bay. Don't lust read it—do it.