SCOTTISH Water, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and Police Scotland are warning the public about the consequences of vandalising vital fire hydrants.
With the school summer holidays in full flow, the three organisations are urging people not to set off hydrants, and called on anyone who witnesses incidents to report them to police.
READ MORE: Charity launches Helensburgh and Lomond safe swimming appealFire hydrant vandalism incidents tend to spike during summer, and can cause disruption of water supply to customers, reduced water pressure or discoloured water, and flooding in streets.
John Griffen, Scottish Water’s operations manager, said: “Some may see it as ‘harmless fun’ but that’s not the case.
“The reality is that as they play, homes and businesses are suffering low water pressure or no water at all.
“What’s more, firefighters rely on these hydrants for fighting fires and a shortage of water could endanger people’s lives and property.”
READ MORE: Teaching 'fire skills' to Helensburgh's young peopleInspector Allan Elderbrant of Police Scotland added: “Causing damage to fire hydrants or interfering with them in any way is extremely dangerous.”
Incidents can be reported to the police by calling 101; in an emergency, dial 999.
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