EMERGENCY teams are in Drumchapel this morning after fire hydrants were targeted by vandals.

Scottish Water said it was investigating a loss of water supply in the G15 area following reports of fire hydrant vandalism.

Crews confirmed repair work has been completed and that the supply should be returning to normal.

However, incidents like this have prompted a stern warning to the public.

People are being warned of the dangers of vandalising fire hydrants including widespread disruption and putting lives at risk.

It comes after around 40 incidents of vandalism across Scotland in the past month.

In one case a child was injured after setting off a fire hydrant due to the force of the water pressure coming out of it.

 

Incidents can result in water supplies for firefighters being impacted and can affect their ability to tackle fires, posing a risk to lives and property damage.

People are being urged not to set off fire hydrants and anyone who witnesses this type of vandalism is asked to report it to Police Scotland immediately.

Kes Juskowiak, Scottish Water’s general manager of customer water services, said: “Some people who vandalise fire hydrants may see it as ‘harmless fun’ but that’s not the case.

“The reality is that as they play in the water, homes, and businesses are suffering low water pressure or a loss of supply. 

“Also, firefighters rely on these hydrants for fighting fires and a shortage of water could endanger people’s lives and property.

“Fire hydrant vandalism is completely reckless and selfish and communities need to help us put a stop to this behaviour before the unthinkable occurs.

“We’re urging people to help us tackle the problem by reporting any incidents to the police immediately.”

Gordon Pryde, area commander and head of prevention & protection at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Tampering with or vandalising a fire hydrant is a criminal offence and could put lives at risk.

“It is vital that our firefighters have access to operational hydrants to ensure fires are safely extinguished, ultimately protecting lives as well as people’s homes and businesses.

“Anyone who interferes with or vandalises a fire hydrant is also placing themselves at risk due to the potential release of high-water pressure. It can also impact local water supplies.

“We take this matter very seriously and ask that parents and carers warn children about the dangers of hydrant vandalism, to both themselves and their wider community.”

Anyone who witnesses fire hydrant vandalism is urged to contact police via 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.