31 October 2006
Is your car a target for thieves and arsonists? That’s the question Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is asking after being called out to more than 60 deliberate vehicle fires this month.
Firefighters have dealt with 29 in Milton Keynes and 35 in the rest of Buckinghamshire, bringing the totals for the year so far to 202 and 206. Although the totals for the same period last year were higher – 224 and 343 respectively – Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is concerned about October’s higher-than-average figure.
Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “Your car is a target for crime and therefore a possible target for arson. However, a little care and forethought can reduce the risk of your car being stolen, and perhaps set on fire.”
Thames Valley Police are currently running a campaign to tackle vandalism, such as arson, and are trying to encourage people to report things like abandoned vehicles to remove the opportunity for arsonists.
Detective Inspector George Bain from Thames Valley Police said: “Arson is pointless and serious crime and anyone committing it does not only put their own life in danger, but is likely to end up behind bars.
"We are working in close partnership with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service not only to try to prevent deliberate fires, but also to bring offenders to justice and make an example of them.
“Part of Operation Rebound, our Force-wide crackdown on vandalism and anti-social behaviour, is to tackle arson and we are determined to catch anyone committing it.”
Sergeant Jason Kemp, Milton Keynes criminal damage co-ordinator, said: “Police in Milton Keynes are working closely with the local authority trying to promote ways in which people can report an abandoned vehicle and arrange for it to be removed.
“People can either call the Abandoned Vehicle Unit at Milton Keynes Council on 01908 252277 or they can also call the 24-hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 and if the vehicle is stolen we can remove it or refer it over to the council.”
You can also report arson crimes to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
To reduce the risk or theft or arson, follow this simple checklist every time you leave your car:
Where to leave your car: At night, park in a well-lit place. Thieves like working in shadows, so avoid poorly lit areas. In a ticket-exit car park, take the ticket with you and always try to use a secured car park.
Remove the ignition key: Don’t leave the key in the ignition – not even for just a few seconds to go into your home, a shop or pay for petrol.
Close all windows: When you leave the car, close windows. Don’t forget the sun roof.
Always lock doors and boot/tailgate: Even when the car is in your own drive or garage, lock it and take the keys with you.
Fit and use anti-theft devices: Thieves are opportunists, so they will probably move on to a car without a device fitted. Vehicle tracking systems can help trace your vehicle in the event of it being stolen.
Report abandoned cars to your local authority or the police: Nearly half of vehicle arson occurs in abandoned cars. Reporting an abandoned car could help someone else get their car back intact, and prevent an arson attack.
Hide property: Whenever possible take your property with you when you leave the car. Always ensure any belongings that you are travelling with are locked in the boot. In hatchbacks the rear shelf should always be in position. In an estate car cover property with a blanket.
Keep keys in a secure place both at home and at work: Burglars have been known to break into houses and offices just to steal car keys. At home, don’t be in the habit of leaving your car keys close to the front door where they can be seen.
Every year in the UK around 93,000 road vehicles (or about 250 every day) go up in flames and about 75 people die as a result.
About 80 per cent of car fires are started deliberately to cover criminal activity or as an act of vandalism. One in 12 reported stolen vehicles will be set on fire.
Nearly half of all vehicle arson occurs in road vehicles that have previously been reported stolen.
Modern car interiors are largely composed of polymers, plastics and other synthetic materials – all of which are particularly flammable. The smoke and fumes from the outbreak of fire are highly toxic and can be deadly, if inhaled.
Ends