Arson

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Arson has a huge impact upon its victim. Schools are often a target for arson which will usually cause damage to premises, distress to students and coursework can be destroyed. Businesses sometimes find it impossible to recover from such an incident and an arson attack on a home, as well as potentially being fatal, can devastate families and communities. Here are a few initiatives that have been used in Aylesbury Vale to prevent arson.

• Young people are a key focus and continue to benefit from the initiatives Bucks Fire and Rescue Service provide. Arson About was a performance by a theatre company which explored the theme within schools to year 8 pupils. The specific schools were highlighted as most at risk. A fire exhibition has also been used throughout the vale and particularly within schools. Junior schools and their children particularly enjoy the exhibition vehicle and fire engine where they interact with officers about fire safety and arson – emphasising its dangers and offering practical advice.
• Junior fire setters is a scheme which informs young people between the age of 4-12 involved in setting fires information and advice. It also talks to parents and family of fire setters with the aim to highlight the potential consequences and stop any further involvement.
• Clear up events have been used successfully within the district over the past 3 years. A clear up event involves a community and community safety partners such as the district council, fire service and police improving the environment in which they live. This is achieved by removing and clearing litter and fly tipping, offering free collection services of bulky items, removing graffiti and improving the general upkeep. It’s crucial that residents are involved and play a role in improving the environment. Partners can’t offer such a service regularly so the feeling of pride and achievement residents get from improving the environment of their community should give more inspiration to maintain the area. 
• In Aylesbury we also provided crime reduction packs to all residents of clear up areas. There was a significant police, council and voluntary sector presence and an emphasis on delivering good quality information for residents to reduce their chance of being a victim – whether from burglary, criminal damage or arson.
  Do your bit to reduce the chance of causing a fire and keep the streets cleaner.
  
  AVDC has free Stubbis available for anyone living in the Vale. A Stubbi is a small pouch which can be used to dispose of gum or extinguish cigarettes safely until they can be disposed of properly. Contact us for a free stubbi.
  
   

Date Updated: 02/12/11