Arson in Schools: Its Impact and Implications For Prevention

• NCJ Number: 178135
• Journal: International Journal of Risk, Security and Crime Prevention Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: April 1996 Pages: 89-102
• Author(s): John Burrows; Joanna Shapland; Paul Wiles
• Date Published: April 1996
• Length: 14 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Great Britain Home Office; Great Britain Home Office
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article outlines the results of the first focused inquiry into the problem of arson in schools in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Abstract

The study, based primarily on face-to-face interviews with head teachers at some 450 maintained schools, attempted to gauge the prevalence of arson incidents, to document what schools and education authorities were doing to prevent such fires, and to provide guidance on the direction and shape of future preventive strategies. Nearly one in eight schools experienced arson or suspected arson in the year under review, a substantially higher rate than was previously estimated from incidents reported to the fire service or other authorities. Principals’ perceptions of the motives of suspected arsonists included malicious damage, play behavior, mentally disturbed behavior, grudge against school/staff, burglary or property crime, and drunkenness or drugs. Tables, notes