NCJ Number
169724
Journal
Psychology, Crime and Law Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (June 1995) Pages: 271-281
Date Published
1995
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This is a brief historical review of adult arson, including a discussion of legal and statistical issues, motivation and management of this type offender, and a classification system.
Abstract
In England and Wales, the number of persons found guilty or cautioned for arson and criminal damage endangering life increased from 3,315 in 1982 to 3,478 in 1990. Figures for the period also show a steady increase in fires of uncertain origin or possible malicious ignition and an increase in the number of cars destroyed by fire. The last phenomenon may be: part of the general upward trend in vandalism; a way of avoiding detection in taking a vehicle without the owner's consent; a way of avoiding payments on a vehicle; or an attempt to reap financial gain from an unlawful insurance claim. A proposed classification system includes arson: (1) for financial reward; (2) to cover up another crime; (3) for political purposes; (4) for mixed motives (depression, influence of alcohol or drugs); (5) resulting from formal mental disorder; (6) from motives of revenge; (7) as an attention-seeking act; (8) by young adults; and (9) committed by children. Table, references