Tackling arson: Diversionary initiatives

These schemes are intended to divert young people away from fire setting by providing them with incentives.

The Pendower Initiative – Northumbria Arson Task Force

The potential for fire-setting on an estate of empty, void and derelict buildings which were scheduled for demolition, and the potential for children to become involved in dangerous activities on building sites, led to the introduction of the Pendower initiative.

Following negotiations between the Arson Task Force, outreach workers and local children, it was agreed that on the condition that no fires were started during the demolition period, some of the vacant land could be used to build a BMX track for the children. The council assisted with the basic building of the track and the Police agreed to provide some bikes from unclaimed lost property. In addition, some persistent school ‘non-attendees’ were persuaded to return to school for one hour per week in order to design the track using the school’s IT equipment.

During the period in which the outreach workers were active, the fire brigade recorded no primary or secondary fires in the Pendower area.

Contact: Contact: Graham Shiel, Senior Divisional Officer, Brigade Headquarters, PO Box 1HR, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1HR, (Tel No 0191 2321224)

Young Offenders Work Experience Courses – Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade

The programme targets young offenders aged 15 to 16 years who are at the final warning stage. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for personal development, promote teamwork and provide young people with opportunities to take responsibility for their actions. The group is given basic Fire Service drill training and takes part in simple exercises in smoke and darkness. Each day an individual is given responsibility for organisation and time keeping.

The courses are designed to build on the positive image of the fire fighter as a role model for young people and subscribe strongly to the Service ethic of teamwork and support.

Contact: Contact: Graham Shiel, Senior Divisional Officer, Brigade Headquarters, PO Box 1HR, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1HR, (Tel No 0191 2321224)