Half of the outdoor fires this past November in Richmond, classified as “arson” by the RCMP, were the result of homeless people trying to stay warm, according to police.
The latest statistics from Richmond RCMP show an increase in arsons in November, with 10 such fires in the city, seven more than the previous month.
In a report going to Richmond city council, Edward Warzel, manager of police services, explained about half are “believed to be connected to homeless persons setting fire to keep warm.”
The number of arsons Richmond RCMP responded to is above the average range, the report noted.
The report will be dealt with at next week’s community safety meeting.
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