Peter's Pets was burned to the ground, last Wednesday night, in an arson attack Police are calling "malicious and pointless". Peter Goldsmith, 54, a life time resident of Hatfield and owner of the Pet Shop for 30 years has had his business burned to the ground by what would seem a misinformed animal rights protestor. The person, or persons, appears to have "liverated" a number of hamsters, budgies and the like, and then proceeded to set fire to the pet shop. Mr Goldsmith told us, "This really is too much. I can't understand why anyone would want to do this to me! Anyway, enough is enough. I have lived here all my life, but I've had it." The loss of Peter's Pets is also being felt by those in the area concerned with animal safety. Lilly Cording of the RSPCA told us, "I can't believe some idiot would do this to Peter. You can bet they weren't doing it for the animals. Pete actually takes on rescued animals at no cost. He looks after them and

feeds them. He doesn't even charge the new owners for them, he just makes sure they go to a good home! In fact, the fire was even more devastating. Mr Goldsmith had, in his safe, just over £10,000. This money had been gained through fundraising he and others had organised, and was to be used by the RSPCA in order to deal with the increasing problem of stray cats and dogs. Police do not think that this incident is in any way connected with the break in at the laboratories last week. DC Kelly told us, "The earlier break in was obviously thought through and researched and, while we at the police do not condone it, actually made some kind of a difference. However, this break in has none of these traits. Indeed, most of the animals who have been 'freed' are now much worse off than they were before." When asked if this could be a copycat incident, DC Kelly replied "we do think that this might be the case."

A student at the University of Hertfordshire was attacked last Wednesday, not by another student, but by a member of the University Security! The assault broke the victim's (Gaunter Killdeer) nose. Four eye witnesses have claimed that it was a totally unprovoked attack on the student. The company who provide the security, Night Eyes, have already been mentioned in this paper. When we contacted them and talked to the head, a Mr Tommy Gunn, we

were shocked to find out that the guard, who remains unnamed, has not been fired! We at the Hatfield & Herts do not believe that it is right that Night Eyes seem to have a company policy that allows people who abuse their power and assault others. Because of this, we are mounting a campaign. Please DO NOT contact Night Eyes head office directly. Instead, call either the University or us and tell us what you think should happen.

HOLY REDECORATING?

The Hatfield Methodist Church was broken into last night and was completely redecorated! The pews were replaced with arm chairs and couches, the altar exchanged with a total home entertainment system and, instead of a font, there was a coffee machine. All of the items seem to have been stolen from a local Habitat store. Police are continuing enquiries into this bizarre crime.

JUGGERNAUT UPDATE

Police have now been able to seize a huge shipment of drugs. It has not been revealed where the drugs were heading, or what drugs they were, but we have been told that they were meant for a number of suppliers, and some of the drugs were pepper. If anyone wants to report any crime in complete confidence, pease call freephone JUGGERNAUT.