JGP News

Communities and Local Government has launched an initiative to reduce the prevalence of youth-inflicted property damage, violence and arson.

As part of a wide-ranging series of measures designed cut fire-related crimes, fire minister Angela Smith unveiled new plans today (Wednesday, February 14th) whereby central government will work with the Chief Fire Officer’s Association, Fire and Rescue Service and Sure Start family centres.

Anti-social behaviour, such as hoax 999 calls, assaults on fire fighters and arson attacks are disproportionately committed by young people - a discrepancy the government plans to reverse by providing fire safety education for younger and more disadvantaged children.

Young people in deprived areas are 16 times more likely to die in a household fire and 31 times more at risk of suffering deliberate damage to their home. Forty per cent of deliberate attacks and vehicle fires are linked to youth disorder, according to official statistics.

“Youth fire crime - such as arson - is a real threat both to the communities that are targeted and the children involved in these acts, which can all too often result in deaths,” said Ms Smith.

“Today’s action plan is not only another step in the right direction, but it will also show government’s commitment to helping the Fire and Rescue Service to combat anti-social behaviour and reduce the fire risk faced by vulnerable young people.”

The announcement of the action plan coincides with a study by the United Nations which places the UK bottom of the world’s 21 economically advanced countries in terms of the wellbeing of its children.

Those growing up in the UK are more deprived, endure worse relationships with their parents and are more exposed to drugs, alcohol and unsafe sex than their peers in other developed countries, according to the research.

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