Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority

Item

22 May 2002

Arson Reduction and Convictions

Report of the Chief Fire Officer

Contact:

Chris Bacon Senior Divisional Officer Tel: 023 8064 4000 Ext 405

1

Arson Reduction

1.1

Members will be aware of the arson reduction initiative taking place in collaboration with others, e.g., Police, Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils, etc. Good progress is being made and a success story is the 'project car clear', during which Southampton are undertaking to remove abandoned vehicles and unwanted cars at no cost to the owners. This helps reduce the opportunity of the cars being set alight and approximately 50 cars per week are being disposed of and in so doing reducing nuisance and hazard to the community.

2

Arson Convictions

2.1

Recently, 2 arsonists have been caught and sentenced as a result of good co-operation between the Police and HFRS Fire Investigators.

i)

Incident at Penington Oval, Lymington on 28.12.01

Fire in a domestic property, occupant charged with 'Arson with reckless intent to endanger life'. The defendant was given a 42 month custodial sentence.

ii)

Incident at Waitrose Store, Trensham Crescent, Yateley 09.12.01

Fire in retail food store. Defendant was given a 12-month custodial sentence in a Young Offenders' Centre.

3

General

3.1

HFRS will use every means at its disposal (including collaboration and partnership with others) to reduce the incidence of Arson, but if necessary will support the Police in prosecuting offenders in order to protect life and property.

4

European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998

4.1

The proposals within this report are compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. The attached draft protocol has been drawn up in the light of the legislation.

Recommendation

That the report be noted and that Members endorse the Service's policy to support the Police in the prosecution of those accused of the crime of Arson.

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report.

None

NB The list excludes:

1 Published works

2 Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act

File name - HFRA 22 May 02 Arson 07 05 2002