LAURINBURG — A reward is being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for up to a dozen fires in the city limits.
The Laurinburg Police Department has partnered with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives looking into the 12 residential fires in Laurinburg over the past few months. The ATF has announced that a reward of up to $2,500 could be given for information.
The fires began on March 16 and have continued up through the past weekend, mostly occurring on the north side of town. It is unknown if all the fires are connected, as some are arson of vacant residences and others had break-ins along with the fires.
According to a press release, “investigations disclosed the fires were intentionally set and to date suspect(s) has not been identified.”
The topic of the fires was brought before the Laurinburg City Council at Tuesday evening’s meeting, when a resident asked what was being done. Joyce Davis brought up the concern since there had been several houses that have been burned in the past several weeks that were vacant.
Laurinburg Mayor Matthew Block asked about the potential of city ordinance violations with abandoned homes since several of them were vacant.
“A lot of the abandoned properties are in violation of ordinances,” Block said. “They aren’t secured and they’re breeding grounds for crime and arson when you don’t have a secure property.”
No other information is being released as of now about the fires, but those with information are encouraged to call ATF’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-283-3473. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov through ATF’s website. Tips may be submitted anonymously using the ReportIt app or by reportit.com.
Additionally, information can be provided to the LPD 910-277-3216 or the SBI at 1-800-334-3000.
Katelin Gandee can be reached at 910-506-3171 or kgandee@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.