Youth Crime: Study finds gaps in arson prevention

The Interventions with Arsonists and Young Firesetters study, which was conducted by the University of Leicester for the Arson Control Forum at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), found that most fire services run arson-prevention programmes.

But the researchers also discovered a lack of consistency across these programmes.

The researchers called for centrally developed training for staff and teaching materials to improve the programmes. They also recommended the creation of a common programme based on the criteria developed by the Correctional Services Accreditation Panel, the Home Office body that advises ministers on programmes for offenders.

But a Fire Brigades' Union spokesman said funding was the main problem: "There is not enough money being put into these projects and there are not enough of them as a result."