Arson

Crimestoppers has joined forces with the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to beat the arsonist. Fire engines in Derbyshire will now display Crimestoppers signage, to encourage anyone with information about arsonists to cal Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

32 fire engines in Derbyshire's fleet will be sporting new signage, funded by the fire and rescue service, urging people to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if they have any information about fire setters.

Steve Wells, the Arson Reduction Officer explains: “Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has made substantial progress in reducing the number of fires in recent years. In a bid to continue to drive down our figures, we now analyse all the data we have on the causes of fires. In the last 12 months we have attended 475 deliberate vehicle fires, 388 deliberate primary fires (ie houses, or other major property fires) and 1,863 deliberate secondary fires (ie rubbish bins, trees or skips). Clearly this can be seen as a big problem and it is a nationwide problem not just in Derbyshire.

“Another goal of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is to increase the number of partner agencies we have – this in turn helps us to get our fire safety messages out to the public and helps us to make Derbyshire a safer place to live work and visit. Crimestoppers – the charity dedicated to cracking down on crime – is a great partner for us to have in our fight against arson. Arson attacks can leave people injured and ruin lives as well as homes and businesses. We were therefore delighted when Crimestoppers agreed to become our partner and to have their logo and telephone number displayed on our fire engines. We are convinced that this will encourage members of the public to provide information; and any improvement in the flow of information to the police will help all of us to bring those responsible to justice.”

Ian Froggett, the Regional Coordinator of Crimestoppers, said: "It is great for the charity to be involved in this partnership. There are few things more dangerous than setting fires and our call agents are on hand 24 hours a day to take information about anybody who has caused damage by setting fires. My appeal is to anybody who has information about fire starters to ring us and tell us what they know and not necessarily who they are. We promise that all our callers will stay anonymous and we even pay cash rewards when the information leads to an arrest and charge. Ring us on 0800 555 111."