Communities are being asked to spring into action as Cleveland Fire Brigade clamps down on arson during the Easter holidays and the lighter nights.
The first big holiday of the year and the start of Spring is a time when deliberate fires escalate. Last year there were nearly 1,000 incidents recorded in just five weeks from the end of March to the end of April 2021.
Craig Strike, Head of Prevention and Engagement, said: “We are appealing for everyone to be vigilant, report any incidents and take extra care as we try and stop the minority who are intent on anti-social behaviour and diverting our resources away from real emergencies where lives may be at risk.”
“We can all take steps to reduce the opportunities for deliberate fires. These include putting wheelie bins out only on the day of collection and bringing them back in as quickly as possible, storing any bins or rubbish well away from property and reporting fly-tipping.”
“By taking these few simple steps, looking out for what is happening in your area, we can all make a difference and keep our communities safe.”
85% of our fire calls are deliberate fires with the main targets being rubbish, grasslands and vehicles. So, it’s time to spring into action and help us stop arson. You can do this by not adding fuel to the fire and keeping your neighbourhoods safe.
The hotspot areas of Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough will be targeted alongside Stockton and Hartlepool, in a digital advertising campaign and posters on bus shelters.
Deliberate Fires by District: 25.03.21 – 29.04.21
| District | Number of Deliberate Incidents |
| Redcar & Cleveland | 291 |
| Middlesbrough | 362 |
| Stockton | 171 |
| Hartlepool | 161 |
| TOTAL | 985 |
Arson is everyone’s problem – let’s tackle it together:
- Report fly-tipping to your local council
- Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report issues anonymously or submit information online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form
- Join your local neighbourhood watch www.ourwatch.org.uk
