Hampshire Constabulary has released footage of a man they would like to speak with after reports that 14 cars had been set on fire in the west part of the town since Sunday, November 10.
The man, who has been described as being slim, was wearing a tracksuit and walking a small dog.
READ MORE: Basingstoke man to stand trial after pleading not guilty to escaping custody
A man matching the description was seen at Cleaver Road and Attwood Close, following reports that cars were set on fire in those areas.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said they know the images ‘are not of the greatest quality’ but if anyone recognises the man, his clothing or the dog, they should contact officers.
They added: “Officers believe the man may have vital information which may help with our investigation.
“If you are in the images, or if you know the man, please call police on 101, quoting 44240508669.”
Officers have received reports of vehicles being set alight:
- A Peugeot 207 had been set on fire on Pinkerton Road at around 4am on 8 January (44250009307).
- A Renault Trafic had been set on fire on Goodman Close at around 3.15am on 25 December (44240559330).
- A Mini had been set on fire on Pinkerton Road at around 3.15am on 23 December (44240556409).
- A Suzuki Jimmy had been set on fire at Winklebury Centre at around 5.45am on 13 December (44240541710)
- A Mini had been set on fire on Upper Sherbourne Road at around 6am on 13 December (44240541719).
- A Renault Clio (44240507219) and a Ford Fiesta (44240507413) had been set on fire on Cleaver Road at around 3.30am on 21 November.
- A Peugeot 207, Toyota Aygo, Vauxhall Viva and Volkswagen Polo had been set on fire on Butler Close at around 3.50am on 14 November (44240495928).
- A Kia Sportage (44240489639), Nissan Juke (44240489645) and a Mini One (44240489651) had been set on fire on Sycamore Way at around 3.30am on 10 November.
Basingstoke Town Inspector Charlie Ilderton said: “We know these incidents have caused concern in the local community.
“However I would like to reassure you that our officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries and extra patrols and are now in a position to release CCTV images of a man we would like to identify.
“We know the images are not of the greatest quality, but if you recognise him, think you may know who it is, or are aware of someone who walks a similar dog in the area, or if you have any other information about what happened, then please contact us.
“If you believe it is you in the CCTV, please contact us.”