Wheelie Bin Arson Advice

Wheelie bins are an easy target for arsonists and will burn fiercely even when empty. Where possible:

• Put your wheelie bin in the back garden (if it is secure) and keep it away from the house
• Only put your wheelie bin out the front on collection day. Try and avoid having it out the front of your property overnight.
• If your back garden is not secure your wheelie bin should be secured to an immoveable object away from the house

Vehicle Arson Advice

Motor Vehicles can be popular targets for arsonists. To protect your vehicles please consider the following:

• If you have a garage, use it to store your car overnight
• Ensure your car is parked in a well lit area
• Make sure your car is locked
• Report any abandoned vehicles to your local council

Dwelling Arson Advice

Arson attacks on people’s homes are relatively rare. However, to prevent your home becoming a target for an arsonist please read the advice below:

• Have smoke detectors fitted and make sure that you check the batteries at least every week
• Pre plan a fire escape route with all family members
• Provide adequate security e.g. door and window locks and control access to any common areas. Ensure all family members know how to open locked doors and windows in the event of an emergency.
• Close all doors at night to keep smoke and heat out of escape routes
• Put rubbish out on the designated day
• Keep bins away from the walls of the house, ideally in a secure environment
• Remember fly tipping is great fuel for arsonists – so always dispose of your rubbish responsibly

Contact your local council who will advise on the dispose of bulky items

In the event of fire. Get out!... Stay out!... Call the Fire Service!

Business Arson

The threat of arson is ever present for shops and business alike, however, there are steps that can help alleviate the potential for such occurrences:

COMBUSTIBLES – HOUSEKEEPING – BINS (LOCKED IF POSSIBLE) - SKIPS

• Limit the number of entrances in use (but do not lock fire exits) and utilise staff/guards to manage security.
• Maintain perimeter security – walls, fences and gates.
• Fit approved metal containers to the inside of your letterboxes.
• Install an Automatic Fire Detection System with consideration to the installation of sprinklers also.
• Ensure that all locks to windows and doors are in full working order and any gaps under doors should be as small as possible to prevent lighted ignition sources being pushed into the premises.
• Control keys that access the premises.
• Before leaving the premises a responsible person must ensure that it is left empty and secure.
• All external combustible storage sites should be secure and emptied on a regular basis.
• The prompt removal of graffiti ensures that vandals or arsonists are not immediately attracted to the premises, as it doesn’t pose as an obvious target for anti-social behaviour.

For more information please visit www.bedsfire.com.