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Arson & fire setting
What is arson?
Arson is when someone deliberately sets fire to a person’s property, causing criminal damage.
The maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of arson is life in prison.
Why might someone commit arson?
There’s lots of reasons someone might commit arson, including:
- Vandalism - property may be damaged for fun, excitement or due to boredom.
- Revenge - where the criminal causes damage to get back at the property owner for something, for example jealousy, hate, arguments, or real or imagined wrongdoings.
- Hate - for example setting fire to places of worship.
- Insurance claims - arson may be committed by the property owner themselves in an attempt to claim the insurance money on their destroyed buildings and/or contents.
The impact of arson
Arson can lead to people being seriously injured or killed.
Even if nobody is physically hurt, people may lose all their property and be made homeless. As well as the financial impact of this, it will also have a lasting effect on mental health and wellbeing.
Know who’s setting fires?
In an emergency, you should always report fires to the police and fire service by calling 999.
If there is no immediate risk (for example, following the event) you can tell us what you know 100% anonymously by filling out our online form or calling 0800 555 111.
Victim of arson?
As Fearless is 100% anonymous, we are unable to take reports from victims of crime.
If you are the victim of an arson attack, you should report it to the police and speak to an adult you can trust, such as a parent/guardian or teacher, for support.
You can also get more information, support and advice from Victim Support.
