Issue

Some information sources

Do we have an arson problem?

What are the numbers and rates of deliberate fires?

How does the data compare with other areas (locally and nationally)?

What trends can be detected?

Recorded crime figures at Basic Command Unit and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership level

Community surveys and consultations (Information on unrecorded and non-reported crimes)

Insurance companies

Fire service

Housing Associations and social landlords

What is the nature of the arson problem?

What is the breakdown of primary and secondary fires?

Is the arson offence connected with another crime such as burglary or theft of motor vehicle?

Recorded crime figures at Basic Command Unit and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership level

Community surveys and consultations (Information on unrecorded and non-reported crimes)

Insurance companies

Fire service

Housing Associations and social landlords

Where are the arson offences occuring?

Which locations are at greatest risk?

This analysis should include both geographical ‘hotspots’ and types of premises or location such as schools and commercial premises.

(N.B It is important to look at the ratio of offences to the number of locations of specific types rather than focussing wholly on absolute numbers)

Do locations share common physical characteristics? For example, ease of access and egress, poor lighting, lack of natural surveillance

Do crimes tend to be committed in a certain way?

Are repeat offences occurring at particular premises or types of premises?

If vehicle arson, consider:

What types of vehicle are subject to arson and are they stolen vehicles?

Where are the burnt out vehicles recovered?

What patterns can be detected in the data for stolen and recovered vehicles subject to arson?

Recorded crime figures at Basic Command Unit and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership level

Community surveys and consultations (Information on unrecorded and non-reported crimes)

Insurance companies

Housing Associations and social landlords

Fire service

When are the arson offences occurring?

Is the risk of arson higher at certain times of the:

• Day
• Week
• Year

What trends can be detected?

Are particular locations or types of premises more at risk at different times?

How often are offences occurring?

Are there spates of crime in particular locations?

What is their impact?

What concerns the public most?

What is the impact on the victims of arson?

What is the value of the property damaged?

Are local services (shops, community facilities etc) affected by reduced or poor levels of public attendance due to crime levels/fear of crime?