My 20 years of hell at hands of yobs on Vale
Gary Deegan, 51, says he is being targeted and his life is being made a misery .
In the latest incident in a catalogue of arsons and damage, Gary’s transit van parked on his drive on the Lancaster estate was set on fire and police are investigating as the fierce fire could have spread to his house, endangering his life.
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Hide AdGary said: “I was looking after my stepfather, who has cancer, when the fire started.
“A few days after I lost my mum they targeted me, I didn’t have time to grieve for my mum.
“I have never been able to take my mum anywhere in 20 years because of people who are thugs.
“They got all my clothes which were in bin bags, a recycling box and other rubbish, piled it in the van and set it on fire.
“Every time I get a vehicle it gets burnt out.”
The catalogue of incidents Gary says he has endured are:
lNine caravans trashed
lEight vehicles smashed up or stolen
lWindows smashed
lScrap metal stolen out of the garden.
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Hide AdlThe family cat paralysed after being thrown at his van, which had to be put down
lLetter box ripped off and post stolen.
lA jeep burnt out
l A television stolen through the back window of his house
lFireworks being thrown through the letterbox
l CCTV cameras put up for security pinched or destroyed
lBricks thrown through the glass in his front door.
Gary said: “I’ve had a fireproof bag put on my letterbox in case they put a firework through again.
“I’ve had a bottle thrown at me which smashed on my head.
“Friday and Saturday nights are the worst, they are all out sometimes on their own and sometimes in groups.
“The latest fire could have spread to my house or the house next door. I don’t know why they are doing it. I’m getting sick of it, it is ruining my life.
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Hide Ad“Even if you had 10p they would take it off you. Why can’t they just leave me alone?
A spokesman for Lancaster City Council said: “We are aware of the problems Mr Deegan has been experiencing including the arson attack on his vehicle in July. Mr Deegan’s estate manager will be making further contact with him to discuss the problems he has been experiencing.
“If Mr. Deegan is unhappy with his current accommodation, his estate manager will be happy to discuss options with him.
“Since the incident, Mr Deegan has submitted an application to rent a garage from the council and will be offered one if there is a vacancy.”
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Hide AdPolice said in the most recent incident, between July 22 and 23, an unknown person approached the transit van on the driveway and started a fire in the cab. Police say it was arson with intent to recklessly endanger life. Enquiries are still ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting crime number WB1605901.