Press Releases from the Arson Task Force
Date: Friday 9 May, 2008
WEST MIDLANDS TASK FORCE REPORTS LOWEST NUMBER OF SCHOOL BUSINESS AND VEHICLE ARSONS
THE West Midlands Arson Task Force has reported the lowest number of school, business and vehicle arsons ever recorded in the region since the task force was set up - resulting in estimated savings of over £38 million.
During 2007/8, 19 arsons at schools were recorded, compared to 23 last year and 53 in 2001/2.
Over the same period, 295 business arsons were recorded, compared to 388 the previous year and 635 in 2001/2.
There were 1,580 recorded vehicle arsons during the last 12 months, compared to 1890 last year and 4,900 in 2001/2.
Other figures show that compared to 2001/2:
- Arson in homes has fallen by almost 47 per cent (from 1068 to 558)
- The number of accidental fires in non-domestic premises has fallen by almost 42 per cent (from 1,182 to 689)
- Outdoor arson fires have fallen by over 28 per cent (from 13,466 to 9,661)
- The number of injuries from fires has fallen by 45 per cent (from 391 to 215)
Over the same period the number of malicious false calls received has dropped by almost 40 per cent (from 8,519 to 5,133) and the number of malicious false calls attended has fallen by a massive 58 per cent, (from 5,176 to 2158).
The arson task force is a joint initiative between West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, which involves close liaison between scenes of crime officers and the West Midlands Fire Research and Investigation Unit.
Since being set up in April 2003, the task force has launched a wide range of initiatives including:
- A project which looks at the methods used to fight fires, which means more evidence can be recovered. The 'Code Red' project is aimed at identifying and prosecuting more offenders.
- Close working with partner agencies to manage the rapid removal of abandoned vehicles, target hardening of hot spots and using tow away zones when required.
- A 12-week tour of schools, which includes a play and a workshop, and the introduction of a DVD aimed at secondary pupils.
The task force recently introduced a three-month pilot in Dudley where they offer victims of burglary a free home fire safety check. The aim of the scheme is to provide reassurance and ensure the home owner reduces accident and fire risks.
Sergeant Phil Butler, from the Arson Task Force, said: "These initiatives have undoubtedly played a major part in the reduction in arson across the West Midlands. We believe that working with young people in schools is important and this is one area in particular where we are having some real success."
Station Officer Rawlings, from the Arson Task Force, added: "The work we are carrying out with our partners is paying real dividends and it is particularly encouraging to see that we have recorded the lowest ever number of school, business and vehicle arsons ever recorded in the West Midlands."
NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS AND RADIO STATIONS
To arrange interviews with Sgt Butler or Station Officer Ian Rawlings, from the West Midlands Arson Task Force, call 0121 380 6733 or the news desk on 0121 626 5858.
For further information see their website - www.wmarsontaskforce.gov.uk
Issued by: Jackie Harrison (Tel: 0121 626 5197)