Arson in South Tyneside
Arson is the deliberate destruction of property using fire as a weapon.
Arson is a crime that affects both individual victims and the community as a whole. It is the largest single cause of major fires in Britain.
The main motives for arson include:
- Vandalism
- Curiosity
- Excitement
- Revenge
- Disposal of unwanted property
- To conceal crime
- To make profit
- Extremism
- Mental illness
- Serial arson
- Race related
Abandoned vehicles are a form of fly tipping that is becoming an increasing problem in South Tyneside. The cost of malicious vehicle fires to the community is approximately £1 million per year.
Increased dumping of waste and wheeled bins stored in areas prone to arson attacks make this problem worse. Many of the areas where waste is dumped are derelict properties which are likely targets for arson attacks.
How can it affect me?
Arson causes damage to property, that could be yours, or close to your home. In South Tyneside the main arson incidents relate to abandoned vehicles, empty properties, rubbish fires and rubbish bin fires. These cause a danger to the community and make South Tyneside a less pleasant place to live in.
Quicklift
To reduce vehicle, waste and property related arson and vandalism South Tyneside Council, Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue and other partners have joined forces to introduce "Quicklift". Quicklift will reduce vehicle, waste and property related arson.
The "Quicklift" Partnership will identify abandoned vehicles and waste early and remove them quickly.
We need you!
None of this will work without your help. You are our eyes and ears.
There is a hotline and website that you can use to report abandoned vehicles and waste so that they can be taken away before they are vandalised or burned.
If you see anything suspicious that may lead to the risk of arson, like an abandoned vehicle, dumped rubbish or open access to property, call the Contact Centre at the council on 0191 427 7000. Your call will be dealt with quickly and in confidence, either by the council, fire service or police.
If you see a fire or witness a criminal act call 999.
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