Albanian State Police have arrested or are prosecuting 12 individuals suspected of deliberate arson in several counties across the country. The arrests were made over the past 72 hours as part of an intensified effort to prevent fires and identify the perpetrators.
Intensified Police Actions Against Arson
The arrests took place in various locations, including Tirana, Durrës, Fier, Vlorë, Sarandë, Gjirokastër, Kurbin, Dibër, Shkodër, Poliçan, and Belsh.
General Director of State Police, Ilir Proda, has placed all local police structures on high alert. He issued clear orders to intensify preventative, investigative, and punitive measures against all cases of arson, whether deliberate or caused by carelessness.
Public Appeal for Caution
The State Police have issued an urgent appeal to all residents to refrain from starting any fires, warning that violators will face the full force of the law.
Citizens are also advised to exercise maximum caution, especially by avoiding the careless disposal of lit cigarettes on roadsides, as this can easily cause a fire. The public is urged to report any instances of arson to the emergency number 112.