CONCERN is mounting over the number of torched and abandoned cars the emergency services have to deal with in Worcestershire.

Three cars were abandoned and set alight over the weekend alone, while 13 firefighters were called to a car dumped in the canal at Droitwich yesterday.

The crews spent nearly two hours recovering and searching the white Vauxhall Astra amid fears there was someone inside.

Now Hereford & Worcester Fire Brigade and the police intend to showcase car crime prevention to reduce the drain on resources.

"We are becoming increasingly concerned at the big rise in the number of car fires, not just with mechanical faults, but cars stolen and then torched, " said fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie.

"It seems that not a day goes by without us having to go and deal with a car that is on fire.

"Yesterday at Droitwich we had 13 firefighters and the emergency tender vehicle assisting. Had there been a serious incident elsewhere, then we may have been stretched, but fortunately that did not happen.

"The problem is of growing concern and we are looking at doing something with the police to curtail this rising number of car fires.

Grappling hook

Crowds gathered on the bridge at Briar Mill as crews used first a grappling hook and then a winch to haul the E-reg Astra half way out of the water.

They then climbed on to the roof and used a boat hook to check for signs of bulky items inside.

The car appeared to have been driven into the water from a clearing near the town's leisure centre during the night.

Droitwich councillor Peter Pinfield, who is involved in a major project to restore the canals, condemned the "mindless vandals."

"It is a pity that we are so close to re-opening and restoring the canal system and mindless vandals dump things in it and cause damage to the towpaths," he added.

The spate of destruction is believed to be due to the fall in the value of scrap metal and the carnage caused by joyriders.

A spokeswoman for Worcester police said officers were now making inquiries about the vehicle and whether it had been stolen.

Any witnesses to the incident should call police on 01905 723888 or Crimstoppers on 0800 555111.