A man who caused over £256,000-worth of damage during a series of vehicle fires in the Wimborne area has been jailed following a detailed investigation by detectives.
David Robert Giddins, 45 and of Wimborne, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of arson at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 26 June 2025.
Overnight between Sunday 14 May and Monday 15 May 2023, a series of vehicle fires took place in the Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas.
The locations included Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, Oakley Road, Merley Way, Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road.
An investigation was commenced by detectives from Dorset County CID, assisted by the fire service, which established that the fires had been started deliberately.
Damage was caused to 18 vehicles, as well as a number of buildings, costing in excess of £183,000 to repair.
Extensive enquiries were carried out, including reviewing CCTV footage in the area and obtaining statements from victims and witnesses.
Detectives were able to identify Giddins as the man who started the fires and he was subsequently arrested a few days later on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
Giddins was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 26 September 2025 to four years and eight months in custody.
At the sentencing hearing, he had a further six arsons taken into consideration, which occurred in 2018 and January 2023 in Wimborne at a further cost of £73,000.
Detective Constable Neil Hooker, of Dorset County CID, said: “The reckless actions of Giddins caused significant and substantial damage and it is extremely lucky that nobody was injured.
“Following the arrest of Giddins, we worked very hard in the following months to pull together all of the evidence to ensure that he was held to account for his irresponsible behaviour.”
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, of the Dorset County Local Policing Area, said: “Detectives in this case conducted a complex and comprehensive investigation and I am pleased that Giddins is now facing the consequences of his actions.
“These incidents had a real impact on many residents in our communities and I am extremely glad that we were able to get justice for them.”
