Ending the arson

Investigators continue to seek clues that would lead to the arrest of the person or persons setting fires in Cape Girardeau -- 19 of them since April 2005, including nine this year. Tragically, one of the most recent fires on April 29 killed a 42-year-old man.

But in order to put an end to this string of fires, police and other officials need the public's help. As with so many other criminal acts, it is often information shared by individuals who know something -- not necessarily all the details but a bit of information -- that leads investigators to individuals who are arrested and charged with a crime.

Arson is a serious crime. Murders that occur as a result of arson are even more serious. Anyone who may have even a small piece of information needs to share it with the police.

Anyone who wants to give information to investigators and remain anonymous can do so. Informants are encouraged to call the Arson Hotline (800-392-7766), CrimeStoppers (332-0500) or the Cape Girardeau Police Department (335-6621).

Residents of Cape Girardeau are growing more and more concerned about the fires that are being deliberately set. It will likely take the help of some of those residents to put an end to the fires.