Arson reduction work across South Yorkshire has helped drive down the number of deliberately started vehicle fires, new statistics reveal.

The figures, in South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s 2007-08 performance statistics, show a near 25 per cent reduction in the number of deliberately started vehicle fires attended by firefighters.

Crews were called out to 1,680 such incidents between April 2007 and March 2008, compared to 2,056 in the previous year.

The reduction comes after a number of arson-reduction initiatives run by the Service, aimed at cutting the number of deliberately started fires.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Head of Prevention & Protection Bob Rowland said: “I am very pleased at the reduction in vehicle fires, which is recognition of the efforts of our Arson Reduction Team, firefighters, station and district managers who are working closely with partner agencies to address this nuisance. Reducing antisocial behaviour fires is of course one of our top priorities and we, along with our partner agencies, will continue to work very hard to further improve on our performance and make South Yorkshire a better place to live and work.”

Prevention initiatives run by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue include station-based courses for young people, firefighters patrolling areas on cycles, and education delivered in and by schools on behalf of SYFR and South Yorkshire Police.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s 2007-08 Performance Statistics are available in full, along with the 2008-11 Corporate Plan, on the Service’s website. Visit www.syfire.gov.uk

-Ends-

For more information please contact Corporate Communications on 0114 253 2415