The very real threat of some young people’s malicious fire-related behaviour is being tackled today.
Publication of new guidance is being launched by the Youth Justice Board (YJB), Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) and Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
A large number of fire-related incidents are related to young people.*
- The total cost to the economy in England and Wales of arson incidents started by under 18s is over £470m
- 31 per cent of arson incidents on domestic properties were started by under 18s
- Hoax calls to the fire service (mainly attributed to young people) cost the economy £81m.
The Prevention Programmes and Fire and Rescue Services guidance and case studies show how the Fire and Rescue Service can work with local youth offending teams (YOTs). The guidance focuses on prevention activities that maximise resources, avoid duplication and educate and inspire the young people who are most at risk of committing offending or anti-social behaviour connected with fire.
Bob Ashford, YJB head of prevention, said: “As we near bonfire night, it seems an especially fitting time to remember that some young people do not understand the very serious harm caused by reckless and thoughtless acts of arson or hoax calls. We are delighted that many fire officers and youth justice workers are already working together to tackle this problem and we are confident that this guidance will encourage similar activity nationwide.”
Angela Smith, Minister for the Fire and Rescue Service at DCLG, said: “This guidance shares the experience and resources already gained in preventing young people committing fire-related crime. The guidance will help the Fire and Rescue Service to make a stronger contribution to tackling disadvantage and preventing crime, improve community safety and the life chances of young people. The guidance further supports the national Children and Young People Strategy published by my Department last week. ”
Frank Sheehan, Chief Fire Officer (West Midlands) and CFOA Board Member, said: “Through local projects, many fire fighters have assisted young people in making a positive contribution to society and improving their personal skills. It is time that good efforts locally were replicated nationally and sharing good practice through our guidance is a way forward in this.”
“Too much of our response work, such as hoax calls and vehicle-related arson, is caused by young people. By focusing attention on these young people, we can reduce the risk – and cost – to the community.”
Ends
* Data taken from 2004
Contacts:
- DCLG Press Office: 020 7944 3288
- CFOA press contact: Geraldine Tunney 01827 302300
- YJB press contact: Katie Burrell 020 7271 2963
Notes to editors
1. The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. We work to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour.
2. Specifically, we advise the Home Secretary on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system; monitor the performance of the youth justice system; purchase places for, and place, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody; identify and promote effective practice; make grants to local authorities or other bodies to support the development of effective practice; commission research and publish information.
3. Copies of Prevention Programmes and Fire and Rescue Services, along with supporting materials and case studies, are available on the Working with the Fire and Rescue Services page on this website.
4. The Department for Communities and Local Government was created in May 2006 and is led by Ruth Kelly. It aims to build prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.
5. The Chief Fire Officers Association’s aim is to be the professional voice of the UK Fire Service, assisting our members to fulfil their leadership role in improving the well-being of local communities in all matters relating to Fire Service activities. For more information visit www.cfoa.org.uk
6. The new national Children and Young People Strategy enables the Fire and Rescue Service to target children and young people at risk of offending or in deprived neighbourhoods. More information can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1504004