Council and fire brigade say prison incidents inflate arson figures
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Enforcement at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, has responded to a previously published article on arson trends in London reported by Legal Expert.
In her letter, Cllr Taggart-Ryan said she and her colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade were “greatly surprised” by the suggestion that Greenwich was experiencing the sharpest rise in arson offences.
The councillor stated that further investigation had shown that most deliberate fires in the borough were located inside prison facilities and not in the wider community.
New data shows arson fires linked to prison locations
According to figures shared by the council, the majority of recorded deliberate fires in Greenwich between 16 May 2024 and 15 May 2025 occurred within the borough’s three prison facilities: HMP Belmarsh, HMP Thameside and HMYOI ISIS.
Cllr Taggart-Ryan wrote: “Most deliberate fires occur in our prisons. Royal Borough of Greenwich and within that West Thamesmead ward hosts three prison facilities.”
The council noted that these incidents, while appearing in Metropolitan Police arson data, fall under the responsibility of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), and are handled separately from incidents in public spaces.
The data review also identified other factors contributing to statistical inflation, including one Plumstead HMO incident being recorded four times due to the number of separate households affected.
Comparative figures show minor variation year-on-year
The fire data shared by the council showed a 6.6% rise in total deliberate fires over the most recent 12-month period, with 178 fires recorded between May 2024 and May 2025, compared to 167 during the same period the previous year.
In the three-year comparison covering 2022 to 2025, figures were nearly flat, with a 0.4% decline across the wider London area.
Cllr Taggart-Ryan stated: “Whilst there has been a slight increase, it isn’t significant.”
The council added that Greenwich may have appeared as an outlier due to the combined effect of prison-based incidents and data duplication in a small number of community events.
Council and fire brigade focus on prevention work
The Royal Borough of Greenwich highlighted recent improvements in the community, specifically a reduction in loose refuse fires.
The council credited the visual audit strategy run jointly by Greenwich and the London Fire Brigade, which identifies addresses at risk of uninsured property fires.
According to Cllr Taggart-Ryan: “The police are conducting drive-bys to show a presence in the area in the hope that it will deter unwanted behaviour.”
She added that this work, alongside localised engagement and response efforts, may be contributing to lower fire risk in community settings.
Greenwich challenges arson claims with new fire data: Summary
Royal Borough of Greenwich Council responded to reports of a sharp rise in arson by examining local fire records.
The council stated that most recorded deliberate fires were located within prison facilities.
Three prisons are located within Greenwich: HMP Belmarsh, HMP Thameside and HMYOI ISIS.
The council said these incidents are handled by the prison service and not community-based responders.
A data review also found one HMO incident recorded multiple times due to household-level reporting.
The council reported a 6.6% rise in fires between May 2024 and May 2025, with 178 incidents recorded.
The previous year recorded 167 deliberate fires in the same area.
Wider three-year comparisons show a 0.4% decline in deliberate fires across London.
Greenwich Council said the increase was minor and not outside expected variation.
A reduction in loose refuse fires in Greenwich was also reported.
The council said this may be due to joint prevention work with the London Fire Brigade.
Drive-by police patrols have also been used as a deterrent.
The council believes prison fires and duplicate data skew borough-level arson statistics.
Other boroughs with high arson rates, such as Wandsworth and Feltham, also contain prisons.
Executive summary: London Assembly Fire Committee – Arson in London (3 June 2025)
On 3 June 2025, the London Assembly Fire Committee held a public meeting to examine the recent rise in arson offences across the capital.
The discussion brought together senior representatives from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and an independent fire and resilience consultant.
The focus was on understanding the drivers behind the 28% increase in recorded arson incidents since 2022 and exploring collaborative strategies for prevention and response.
Attendees and contributors
Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection & Policy, LFB
Pamela Oparaocha, Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, LFB
Stephen Mackenzie, Independent Fire, Security and Resilience Consultant
Assembly Members from the London Assembly Fire Committee
Overview of current trends
According to police data, the number of arson offences in London rose from 1,894 in 2022 to 2,430 in 2024, with the borough of Greenwich reporting the highest proportional increase.
In contrast, LFB data indicated a 10% reduction in deliberate fires over the same period.
The discrepancy between the two datasets was attributed to differences in classification, reporting processes, and the types of incidents included in each system.
The committee requested borough-level data from the LFB to enable a closer comparison with police figures and to identify local trends.
Fire brigade and police collaboration
When arson is suspected, firefighters conduct a first-level investigation at the scene, escalating to LFB’s dedicated fire investigation team in more serious or complex cases.
These teams work in coordination with the Metropolitan Police, who hold legal primacy in criminal investigations.
LFB also deploys fire dogs to help identify ignitable fluids, which supports the scope and accuracy of scene examination.
The importance of a multi-agency approach was repeatedly emphasised, particularly in complex incidents involving multiple agencies, forensic investigators, and civil authorities.
It was noted that routine collaboration also includes joint exercises, engagement with youth and community groups, and partnerships with mental health and social care services.
Data gaps and shared intelligence
Several participants stressed the need for more comprehensive and joined-up data.
In particular, it was argued that arson-related losses recorded by insurers, local authorities, and healthcare providers could offer valuable insights not captured in fire or police data alone.
Demographic patterns were also discussed, with concern raised that gaps in ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic data might be limiting the effectiveness of prevention work.
The use of “heat maps” and localised incident clustering was described as a helpful tool in borough-level risk management, particularly in identifying repeated patterns of deliberate fires in specific locations such as parks, housing estates, or transport hubs.
Fires in prisons
Deliberate fires in prisons emerged as a key area of concern.
Over the past two years, prisons accounted for a large proportion of high-frequency fire locations across London.
It was reported that 13% of primary fires attended by the LFB during this period were in prison facilities, particularly in boroughs with multiple institutions.
Prison staff provide initial firefighting capabilities, but LFB crews are regularly called to support incidents.
The risks of fire setting in these environments were described as complex, involving issues of security, mental health, resource disruption, and inmate ingenuity.
While some systems such as water mist suppression are available, their implementation has reportedly been inconsistent due to cost, maintenance concerns, and policy limitations.
Challenges in repeat offending
The committee explored how repeat arson offenders are identified and managed.
It was confirmed that the fire service does not routinely receive information about individuals with arson convictions following their release from custody, unless a specific risk has been flagged through multi-agency channels.
The discussion highlighted a distinction between opportunistic fire setting, often associated with youth or antisocial behaviour, and more serious or targeted acts linked to organised crime or mental health conditions.
The latter are often more difficult to predict or prevent without sustained inter-agency monitoring.
Trends in wildfires and open land arson
Wildfires and deliberate fires in open spaces were noted to have increased seasonally, often accounting for up to 60% of deliberate fire incidents at certain times of year.
These are especially challenging to investigate due to the lack of defined boundaries, destruction of evidence, and uncertainty around causes, such as the possible involvement of barbecues, discarded cigarettes or intentional ignition.
In response, borough-based patrols and public education campaigns have been implemented in some areas.
The importance of enabling local fire crews to lead tailored interventions was reiterated throughout the discussion.
Security threats and the weaponisation of fire
The potential for arson to be used as a tool of sabotage or terrorism was raised.
Arson was described as a low-technology method that can be used to target infrastructure, public buildings or soft civilian spaces, particularly in light of evolving global security concerns.
References were made to incidents across Europe potentially linked to state-backed actors, and to UK guidance on hostile fire use.
It was argued that fire safety and counterterrorism planning should be integrated across sectors and supported by updated legislation, threat assessments, and better coordination with intelligence agencies.
Youth intervention and prevention strategies
Youth engagement was a major focus of the meeting.
One-quarter of deliberate fire incidents involve individuals aged 17 or younger.
The LFB’s longstanding fire setters intervention scheme was presented as a successful model, with over 4,000 referrals since 2001 and a reported reoffending rate of under 10%.
The programme includes specialist support for neurodivergent young people and works closely with schools, families and mental health services.
It was confirmed that LFB does not currently operate a centralised arson reduction team, instead relying on station-level staff to identify and respond to risks using standardised toolkits and referral processes.
Community engagement and mental health
Several speakers highlighted the increasing intersection between arson, mental health and self-harm.
In some cases, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis have set fires as a means of self-injury.
These incidents have serious psychological impacts on first responders and underline the importance of post-incident reviews, safeguarding processes and trauma-informed support.
Concerns were also raised about the challenges of care-in-the-community models, particularly when individuals with known fire-setting behaviour are returned to general housing with limited oversight.
Examples were shared of targeted use of suppression systems in vulnerable households, but uptake of such technologies has reportedly been limited due to cost and lack of procurement support.
Public messaging and social media
The influence of social media on fire-setting behaviour, particularly among young people, was briefly discussed.
While no specific evidence was presented, there was agreement that prevention messaging needs to evolve with online trends and that digital content can both educate and glamorise unsafe behaviours.
Examples of past campaigns, such as “Fire Kills” and educational materials aimed at schools, were cited as models worth revisiting.
The importance of consistent messaging and collaboration with central government, broadcasters and tech platforms was acknowledged.
Fire suppression and funding challenges
Fire suppression technologies, including retrofitted systems for domestic settings, were viewed as valuable tools for reducing the impact of arson, especially in high-risk or vulnerable buildings.
However, concerns were raised that cost barriers and fragmented procurement have prevented wider adoption.
There were calls for further research into the cost-benefit case for suppression systems and a need for stronger engagement from insurers and housing providers in funding and implementing protective measures.
Some participants proposed the reinstatement of national-level research initiatives to evaluate risk mitigation strategies more comprehensively.
Conclusion and key takeaways
The meeting concluded with a summary of the key issues:
Disparities in fire and police data require better alignment and joint analysis.
Prisons have emerged as a concentrated risk area for deliberate fires.
Arson may increasingly be used as a tool for disruption, requiring greater preparedness.
Youth engagement and early intervention remain essential to long-term risk reduction.
Mental health-related arson presents a growing challenge in prevention and response.
Fire suppression systems offer protective benefits but face funding and adoption barriers.
A more centralised and research-driven national strategy could support local efforts.
Committee members welcomed the ongoing efforts of the LFB and partner organisations and called for sustained political and financial support for both operational response and long-term prevention work.
Arson increase in London prompts inquiry by fire committee: Summary
The London Assembly Fire Committee held a meeting on 3 June 2025 in response to rising arson offences in London.
Police data shows a 28% increase in arson cases across the capital from 2022 to 2024.
Greenwich recorded a 67% increase, the highest among all boroughs.
The London Fire Brigade stated that its internal data shows a 10% reduction in deliberate fires during the same period.
The committee requested borough-level data from LFB for comparison with police figures.
The London Fire Brigade identified prisons as key hotspots, representing 13% of primary fire locations over the last two years.
Fires in open land were noted to account for up to 60% of deliberate fire totals during certain months.
The LFB outlined collaboration processes with the Metropolitan Police during arson investigations.
Fire investigation dogs are used to detect accelerants and define the scope of fire scenes.
The Fire Committee heard that arson incidents are difficult to investigate in large or open environments.
The LFB operates a fire setters intervention scheme focused on education and early intervention.
A quarter of all deliberate fire incidents involve individuals under the age of 18.
Over 90% of those referred to the scheme reportedly do not reoffend.
The Fire Committee also heard calls for better integration of insurance and emergency data.
There was discussion about the potential for a national arson prevention mechanism.
Mental health, community support, and social media influences were also raised during the session.
Charge rates for arson remain low across UK police forces
Fewer than 1 in 20 arson offences in the UK resulted in charges being issued, according to findings published by Legal Expert.
The data, gathered through Freedom of Information requests sent to 36 police forces, recorded 65,053 arson offences between January 2022 and December 2024.
Across the 21 forces that provided arrest data, only 16% of incidents led to an arrest.
Just 4.83% of cases led to a suspect being charged.
Wiltshire Police had the highest conversion rate, charging suspects in 10.5% of 381 reported cases.
Essex Police recorded 3,212 arson investigations but issued only two charges.
Investigations were frequently closed without suspects being identified.
Twelve forces reported that 69% of their cases had outcomes listed as ‘Investigation complete – no suspect identified’.
In South Yorkshire, this applied to four out of every five incidents, leaving over 2,500 cases without any suspects named.
Urban centres report highest arson case numbers
Larger cities recorded the greatest number of arson incidents, with Metropolitan Police reporting 6,411 cases in Greater London between 2022 and 2024.
Greenwich was the most affected borough, with West Thamesmead ward experiencing the highest number of incidents across the city.
Other cities with high arson reports included Leeds (1,407 cases), Bradford (1,169), Sheffield (1,131) and Manchester (1,133).
In the West Midlands, 4,089 cases were recorded.
Birmingham neighbourhoods Sparkbrook, Washwood Heath and Lozells & East Handsworth were named as hotspots.
Belfast recorded 898 incidents and Bristol 844.
Bristol accounted for roughly half of all arson cases reported to Avon & Somerset Police in 2023.
Offender data shows high involvement of young people and repeat suspects
Data shared by 30 forces indicated that 34% of arson suspects were under the age of 18.
Northumbria Police recorded 296 suspects aged 11 to 15.
In Gwent, three in five suspects were minors.
In South Yorkshire, ten investigations were closed because suspects were under the age of criminal responsibility, which in England is ten.
Legal Expert reported that 80% of suspects were male.
Government data cited in the report shows that men are six times more likely to be arrested than women.
Repeat offending was also reported.
Twenty-three forces identified 1,319 people who had been suspected of arson more than once since 2020.
Surrey Police said it had recorded one individual suspected of committing arson 11 times.
Compensation applications rarely result in payments for arson victims
Legal Expert said that between 2022 and 2024, 464 victims of arson applied for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Only 76 claimants received a payout.
The total awarded was £102,260, averaging £1,345.53 per successful claim.
In 2024, just £2,400 had been distributed across 79 applications.
Legal Expert reported that 194 claims were rejected, while over 190 cases remained unresolved.
Legal Expert criminal injury specialist Ellie Lamey said: “It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands and thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country.
With charge rates also being low, victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.
“Victims who have sustained injuries, whether physical or psychological, due to violent crimes like arson have the right to seek compensation, and they don’t have to wait for someone to be charged or convicted of the offence to do so.
“As long as the crime is reported to the police and they cooperate with an investigation, victims can explore their chances of compensation through the CICA.
“We’ve helped many people who didn’t realise just how much they could receive by claiming with the support of an expert.”
Arson charge rates in the UK: Data reveals widespread justice gaps: Summary
Legal Expert collected data from 36 police forces in the UK showing 65,053 arson incidents occurred between January 2022 and December 2024.
Only 4.83% of these incidents resulted in charges.
Twelve forces reported that 69% of investigations were closed without a suspect being identified.
Cities such as London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham had the highest number of cases.
Children made up 34% of suspects in forces that provided demographic data.
Eighty percent of suspects were male.
Twenty-three forces reported over 1,300 repeat suspects.
Only 76 out of 464 compensation claims submitted to the CICA were successful.
The average payout for successful claims was £1,345.53.
Greenwich named London’s top borough for arson incidents
New data published by Legal Expert from a Freedom of Information request to the Metropolitan Police shows that Greenwich recorded the highest number of arson offences across all London boroughs between 2022 and 2024.
Arson cases across London rose by 28% during this period.
Metropolitan Police recorded 6,411 incidents, the highest figure of any force area in England.
Greenwich saw a 67% increase in arson cases over the two years.
A total of 354 incidents were reported, with 141 recorded in 2024 alone.
The West Thamesmead ward in Greenwich alone reported more arson cases than seven entire London boroughs.
Croydon was the only other borough to report more than 100 arson cases annually over the three years, with a total of 313.
Update: 19 June 2025
Following publication, the Royal Borough of Greenwich provided clarification on local arson figures, noting that the majority of incidents occurred within prison facilities and not in the wider community. A new article providing full context has been published here.
Offenders rarely charged despite increase in incidents
According to the figures published by Legal Expert, only 5% of reported arson incidents across London led to charges.
The national charge rate for arson and criminal damage cases stood at 4.4% for the year ending September 2024.
In London, the rate recorded by Metropolitan Police was 4.84%.
Across England and Wales, 58.8% of arson investigations were closed due to a lack of suspect identification.
Among the nine forces analysed by Legal Expert, 71% of arson cases ended without identifying a suspect.
Of the 1,212 arson offenders identified in London, just 310 were charged.
Males accounted for 79% of the cases where gender was recorded.
Younger offenders less common in London
The age group responsible for the largest number of arson cases in London was 30 to 39 years, with 332 incidents attributed to this demographic.
Only 173 individuals aged 20 or under were identified as arson offenders, a proportion smaller than the national average of 32% reported by Legal Expert.
Of those, 34 were charged.
Metropolitan Police data also revealed that 78 individuals had previously been held in custody under suspicion of arson.
Five of these had been arrested for the offence three times.
Few arson victims receive compensation through CICA
Legal Expert found that 464 arson victims applied to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) between 2022 and 2024.
Only 76 of these claims were successful, including 17 in 2024.
Of the unsuccessful claims, 98 were rejected on the grounds that the incident was not classified as a “crime of violence”, while 54 were dismissed because the injuries did not meet CICA’s eligibility criteria.
Another 42 claims failed due to a lack of cooperation from the applicant.
So far, £102,260 has been paid to victims, with an average award of £1,345.53.
Just £2,400 has been paid out for 2024 claims to date.
More than 190 claimants are still waiting for their outcomes.
Legal Expert criminal injury specialist Ellie Lamey said: “It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands and thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country.
“With charge rates also being low, victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.”
Lamey added: “Victims who have sustained injuries, whether physical or psychological, due to violent crimes like arson have the right to seek compensation, and they don’t have to wait for someone to be charged or convicted of the offence to do so.”
Arson offences in London rise by 28% with Greenwich worst affected: Summary
Metropolitan Police recorded 6,411 arson incidents between 2022 and 2024, the highest of any police force in England.
Data published by Legal Expert revealed that Greenwich had the most recorded cases of any London borough, with a total of 354 incidents.
West Thamesmead, a ward within Greenwich, recorded 141 cases alone.
Across London, just 5% of arson cases led to charges, aligning with a national charge rate of 4.4%.
The age group responsible for the most offences was 30 to 39 years, with men accounting for 79% of those charged.
In total, 464 victims applied for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Only 76 claims were successful.
As of 2024, only £2,400 has been paid out to victims of arson, with more than 190 claims still pending a decision.
Deliberate fires impact emergency resources in the UK
Fire and rescue services across England and Wales have responded to hundreds of thousands of fire incidents since 2019, with a substantial proportion of these being deliberate fires, according to Public Interest Lawyers.
The investigation highlights regional disparities in deliberate fire incidents, ranging from 5% of cases in Lincolnshire to 60% in West Yorkshire.
National data shows that UK fire services attended 600,324 incidents in the year ending March 2024, a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year.
Of these, 138,977 were fires, marking a 22% decrease year-on-year.
However, deliberate fires remain a persistent challenge.
Public Interest Lawyers stated: “Deliberately set fires are dangerous and are a criminal offence.
“They waste time, money and keep fire crews away from real emergencies.”
Regional statistics show variation in fire trends
The London Fire Brigade recorded 85,749 fire incidents over five years, with 15% of these identified as deliberate.
Croydon had the highest borough incidents with 3,730.
Deliberate fires caused 532 injuries during the period, peaking in 2023/24.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended 10,464 incidents, with 40% deliberate.
Western District saw the highest number of incidents at 1,727.
Injuries from deliberate fires totalled 52, with the highest annual count of 18 in 2023/24.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 46,829 fire incidents, of which 60% were deliberate.
Bradford had the most incidents, logging 4,465.
Deliberate fires caused 287 injuries, with 67 recorded in 2019/20.
Arson continues to pose risks to property and life
Deliberate fires include incidents involving bins, skips, fly-tipped waste, derelict buildings, and dry grass.
These fires lead to property damage, homelessness, and injuries.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service attended 8,501 fire incidents since 2019, 25% of which were deliberate.
Ipswich logged 1,072 incidents, the highest in the region.
In Lincolnshire, fire services responded to 40,492 incidents, with 5% deliberate.
Deliberate fires caused 79 injuries, peaking in 2023/24.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended 15,817 incidents, with 25% deliberate.
Preston Circus station area recorded the most incidents, with 1,495.
Public Interest Lawyers noted: “Victims of deliberate fires may lose all their property, be made homeless or be seriously injured.”
Efforts to mitigate arson and its impact
Cleveland Fire Brigade recorded 45,340 fire incidents over the past five years, with 45% being deliberate.
In Avon, fire services attended 54,038 incidents, with 12% deliberate.
Both regions highlight the need for ongoing public awareness and prevention measures.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service managed 25,554 incidents since 2019, with 40% deliberate.
Preston logged the highest number of incidents, with 3,148.
Injuries caused by deliberate fires reached 260, peaking at 75 in 2019/20.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 9,387 incidents, with 30% deliberate.
Central Ward had the highest local incidents at 385.
Injuries from deliberate fires totalled 25.
Public Interest Lawyers provide advice to those affected by arson through a 24-hour helpline.
Fire services address high levels of deliberate fires across England and Wales: summary
An investigation by Public Interest Lawyers highlights the prevalence of deliberate fires across England and Wales.
Fire services have attended thousands of incidents over the past five years, with deliberate fires accounting for between 5% and 60% of cases depending on the region.
London, West Yorkshire, and Leicestershire recorded some of the highest numbers of incidents and injuries.
Deliberate fires often involve outdoor waste and abandoned buildings, posing risks to property and life.
Public Interest Lawyers offer support to victims through a dedicated helpline.
Patterns and impacts of deliberate fires in the UK
According to a report from Public Interest Lawyers, deliberate fires continue to challenge communities across seven UK regions despite an overall decline in fire incidents.
Fire and rescue service data highlights the significant impact of arson in areas such as South Wales, County Durham and Darlington, Northern Ireland, Hereford and Worcester, Humberside, Cheshire, and Gloucestershire.
From 2019 to 2024, tens of thousands of fires were recorded as intentionally set, posing risks to lives and resources.
South Wales and County Durham highlight regional differences
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to over 28,000 fires between 2019 and 2024, with 70% classified as deliberate. Areas such as Trowbridge and Splott were hotspots, and deliberate fires caused 95 injuries in the period.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest proportion of deliberate fires, with 80% of the 18,842 fires reported being intentional.
Peterlee was the most affected area, and injuries linked to these incidents have risen significantly in recent years.
Urban and rural challenges in Northern Ireland and Hereford
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service dealt with 14,833 deliberate fires, half of all fires recorded in the region.
While urban areas like Belfast faced consistent activity, rural heathlands and derelict spaces posed unique challenges. Injury rates peaked in 2019/20, with 80 cases reported.
Hereford and Worcester had the smallest number of fires among the seven regions, but hotspots like Wyre Forest still saw over 1,400 deliberate fires.
Injuries in the area totalled 58, reflecting the impact even in smaller regions.
National trends and recommendations
Nationally, a 22% drop in overall fire incidents was recorded from 2023 to 2024, but deliberate fires remain consistent.
The analysis shows deliberate fires commonly involve refuse, derelict buildings, and dry grasslands, creating significant pressure on fire services and communities.
Public Interest Lawyers have called for coordinated action to address the issue, urging government bodies, local councils, and fire services to prioritise arson prevention through stricter enforcement and public education.
UK faces challenge with deliberate fires in seven regions: Summary
Public Interest Lawyers report persistent arson issues across seven UK regions despite a drop in total fire incidents from 2019 to 2024.
Key findings include high rates of deliberate fires in South Wales and County Durham, challenges in urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland, and varying impacts in regions like Hereford, Humberside, Cheshire, and Gloucestershire.
Deliberate fires significantly affect lives and resources, prompting a call for national and local strategies to prioritise prevention and community education.
Arson incidents increase across UK retail businesses
CheckFire Ltd has released a comprehensive report, The State of Arson 2024, focusing on the alarming rise of arson incidents affecting retail premises in the United Kingdom.
Data from the UK Home Office, as reported by CheckFire, indicates that over 190 deliberate fires were set in retail businesses in England by March 2024, underscoring the vulnerability of retail outlets, salons, and similar establishments to arson-related crimes.
These incidents have significant implications for businesses, often leading to substantial losses in stock and property, and sometimes causing permanent closures and job losses.
“Retail businesses face unique challenges when it comes to arson,” said Bruce Robins, director of CheckFire Ltd.
“The financial impact can be crippling, and the emotional toll on owners, employees, and customers cannot be underestimated.”
Insights and recommendations to prevent arson
The State of Arson 2024 report delivers targeted recommendations for reducing the risk of arson in retail environments.
It advises business owners to implement fire safety protocols, including installing fire alarms, securing premises with CCTV and access control systems, and ensuring that employees are trained to identify suspicious activities.
These precautions, alongside routine risk assessments, aim to minimise the likelihood of arson incidents and help businesses comply with the UK’s Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Robins emphasised the importance of proactive measures in reducing risks, noting: “Our report provides critical insights into how retail premises can mitigate these risks and protect their livelihood from the catastrophic consequences of arson.”
Arson statistics and sector-specific data
The report highlights the increase in arson attacks across various sectors, with retail businesses being disproportionately affected.
This rise in incidents is backed by detailed statistics, offering a clearer picture of the challenges faced by UK retail establishments.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of arson risks in the retail sector, enabling business owners to make informed decisions about fire safety.
Practical measures to enhance fire safety in retail
In addition to fire alarms and CCTV, the report suggests that business owners incorporate access control mechanisms and conduct regular risk assessments as part of a broader strategy to deter arson.
These safety measures, tailored specifically to the retail industry, offer business owners practical steps to fortify their premises against arson and contribute to a safer environment for employees and customers alike.
New report on rising UK arson risks: Summary
The State of Arson 2024 report, released by CheckFire Ltd, provides a data-driven overview of the increasing frequency of arson attacks in the UK retail sector, supported by Home Office data.
With over 190 incidents reported across England in the last year, the report details the financial and operational impacts of these incidents on businesses.
It includes tailored recommendations for retail owners, emphasising fire safety protocols such as fire alarms, CCTV, access controls, and staff training.
By implementing these measures, retail businesses can reduce their risk of arson and ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.