Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 08/12/2004 10:58

Local schemes aimed at tackling arson can make a real difference leading to a reduction in the numbers of deliberate fires according to new report published today.

Five of the 31 projects featured in the report are from the South West and all received funding from the Government's Arson Control Forum.

The report highlights that where local initiatives have been set up the number of deliberate fires has fallen by about 2 per cent. This compares to a 27 per cent increase in the numbers of deliberate fires where no action has been taken.

The report also looks at the success of the individual projects, including a car clearance scheme in Avon, which removes derelict and abandoned vehicles promptly from street and business premises across the county. The scheme has produced very encouraging results, and deliberate fires have dropped by almost 25% between January and May 2003, compared to the previous year.

Fire Safety Minister Phil Hope said:

"Deliberate fires are still the largest single cause of major fires in the UK. It is a problem that leads to loss of life, serious injuries and can result in substantial financial and personal hardship.

"Nationally we are beginning to make some real progress with numbers of deliberate fires falling.

"Today's report emphasises the importance of partnership working and shows how local projects are invaluable in helping with this fight. Not only are they helping to drive down the number of deliberate fires but they are saving the taxpayer money - for every £1 invested in each project it is estimated that at least £16 has been saved in terms of fire costs to the economy."

Mr Hope confirmed that the Government would build on this success through continued investment through the Arson Control Forum. To date more than £11.5m has been invested in local projects.

Examples of good practice from the South West are:

• A vehicle arson reduction scheme piloted in South Bristol.
• Expansion of the South Bristol vehicle arson reduction scheme across Avon in year two.
• An arson task force focusing on deliberate vehicle fires and fire investigation in Devon and Cornwall.
• Establishment of an arson task force combined with a reduction programme based upon trend and geographical analysis in Dorset.
• Development of the Dorset project in year two.