Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow Robert Brown has called for the introduction of lockable covers to limit the damage that vandals do to fire hydrants.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have launched a new CCTV campaign to catch fire hydrant vandals as part of a crackdown this summer.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“Many constituents have contacted me with concerns about the number of vandalised fire hydrants. Hydrants are not toys, they can cause serious injury.

“The vandals who destroy these hydrants are not just risking their own safety, they risk the safety of everyone else in the area. Fire crews rely on hydrants to fight fires effectively and sprays of water can cause road accidents. Damaged hydrants can also lead to annoying reduction in water pressure for local people.

“I welcome the crackdown on fire hydrant vandalism, but I think that local authorities should go even further. Lockable covers on fire hydrants would be a barrier to vandals, prevent waste and could save lives.”