1. Help young people know the law. Setting fire to a litter bin and then running away may seem a bit of a laugh. But the law treats it differently. It's called arson, or malicious fire-setting, and is classed as criminal damage. That is a serious offence. If the fire spreads, and subsequently causes injury to a person, it could well be regarded as a violent crime.
2. There are various categories of young fire-setters. Some, in the younger age group, are curious, simply experimenting without realising the implications of what they are doing. Others might become fascinated by fire, or inspired by boredom, excitement, revenge or some other motive to set fires deliberately. Some might require the support of a specialist counselling service. Only an estimated 10 per cent of those arrested for arson are regarded as mentally ill. Impulses on the spur of the moment and alcohol can all be triggers.
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