Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Advice

Arson attacks occur for various reasons; however, they typically fall into one of the below categories:

• Fire Play: fire play results from young people playing with fire either out of curiosity, boredom or with the intention to cause damage to property.
• Revenge: revenge attacks after an argument with friends, family of employees where the intention is to harm or injure a person.
• Emotional: emotional fire setting is associated with arsonists who may have mental health problems and set fires as a means of expressing themselves.
• Criminal: criminal fire setting is where arson is committed to destroy evidence of another criminal activity or to fraudulently claim on insurance payments.

Security Measures

Fires involving rubbish can spread rapidly, putting lives and property at risk. Unsecured buildings and poorly stored materials can also attract arson or trespassing. To reduce these risks:

Waste Management

Rubbish can be a ready source of fuel for arsonists. Fires involving rubbish can quickly spread to nearby homes and buildings, putting lives at risk. To reduce this danger:

• Only put rubbish and recycling containers out on collection days
• If you miss a collection, contact your local council to report it
• Never store rubbish or flammable items in corridors, stairwells or escape routes
• Keep communal bin stores secure and well-lit
• Store recycling containers a safe distance from buildings
• Don’t overload skips and arrange removal when full

Property Security

• Secure all key entry points to buildings including sheds, garages, perimeter fences and gates
• Board up and secure unused or derelict buildings
• Maintain perimeters and repair damage promptly to deter intruders
• Consider installing security systems such as CCTV, alarms and security lighting
• Store flammable substances safely and securely
• Install a fire reduction letterbox to reduce the risk of deliberate attacks. Letterbox openings in doors provide easy access to the inside of properties and for some people, this can mean increased risk of deliberate fire attacks. Fire reduction letterboxes are designed to reduce this risk. Individuals vulnerable to this type of crime include victims of domestic violence, hate crime or intimidation.

If you see an arsonist in the act, don't hesitate to contact Leicestershire Police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.