Police have made three arrests after a series of break-ins at the former Kirklees College.
And Kirklees College officials have promised to beef up security at their former base after concerns were raised over the weekend after the latest in a spate of fires at the campus.
The college site of New North Road, Huddersfield, has been empty since last year when the college moved to its new campus off Manchester Road.
But the old site has been plagued with break-ins, with repeated vandalism.
Watch commander Graham Calcraft, of Huddersfield Fire Station, wants the one-time Royal Infirmary building in Portland Street, Huddersfield, properly boarded up.
Firefighters from Huddersfield and Elland were called on Sunday to reports of smoke coming from the building.
Fire crews were also sent there two weeks ago when a large pile of copper wire was set on fire. Metal thieves were believed to be burning off the plastic covering. On Sunday, time crews spent an hour at the scene and Mr Calcraft said: “This is the second time that we have been here in two weeks and the fifth since the buildings became unoccupied”.
Police confirmed that three people were arrested on Sunday afternoon over alleged thefts from the college and are being questioned in Huddersfield.
College Vice principal Melanie Brooke said: “Kirklees College is responsible for the New North Road site until the handover to Wiggett Construction, which is subject to
planning approval.
“Unfortunately since our relocation, there have been several break-ins at the former site, causing significant damage to the interior of the buildings.
“We share the firefighters’ concern and are exploring all options to safeguard the building, working closely with West Yorkshire Police to improve security of the site.
“We will continue to work with all relevant authorities in an attempt to reduce the risk of further incidents.”
Developers are planning to take over the sprawling site and bring it back into use.
The campus was also used as a film set for the recent TV drama Remember Me, starring Michael Palin.
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
