Suffolk police warning as deliberate fires hit 5-year high

There were 487 reports of deliberate fires made in the year ending March 2023, the highest levels recorded since the year ending March 2018.

Suffolk Constabulary confirmed that arson offences encompass a range of deliberate fires, from bins being set alight, to hay bales and fields, all the way up to the most serious fires at people's homes.

A spokesman said: "In many cases, fires are started as something of a mindless prank where people have not considered the full dangers of what they are doing.

"Any fire lit in an uncontrolled environment, however small it may start out, has the potential to spread and cause significant damage (often at great cost to the victim), or worse endanger life."

Suffolk Constabulary confirmed that arson offences encompass a range of deliberate fires. (Image: Newsquest)

The Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said that any deliberate fire started with the intent to cause damage to property or potentially  risk the lives of others is a "serious crime" and offenders can expect to be dealt with "robustly".

They added: "The offence of arson endangering life carries a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment, so that in itself should act as a warning and a deterrent to potential arsonists."

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Group manager Lee Wilkins, head of prevention for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, highlighted that while any rise in arson numbers is "disappointing", these figures cover the two years of covid and lockdown that resulted in a dip, so a rise simply reflects a return to "pre-pandemic" levels.

He added: "We work very closely with the police and our fire investigation officers are very effective at determining cause that supports police investigations and prosecutions."