NCJ Number
37792
Journal
TOP SECURITY Volume: 2 Issue: 6 Dated: (OCTOBER 1976) Pages: 195-197
Date Published
1976
Length
3 pages
Annotation
ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF ARSON CASES IN ENGLAND GREW FROM 34 IN 1966 TO 302 IN 1976, THE PUBLIC REFUSES TO PROTECT ITSELF AGAINST THIS CRIME. THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES TYPES OF ARSONISTS, THEIR MOTIVATIONS, AND PUBLIC APATHY.
Abstract
PEOPLE GENERALLY BELIEVE THAT ARSONISTS ARE MENTALLY INSANE PERSONS WHO SET FIRES AT RANDOM WITHOUT PROVOCATION. BUT ARSONISTS PRACTICE THEIR SKILLS AND CHOOSE THEIR SITES AND METHODS CAREFULLY. SCHOOL CHILDREN OFTEN BURN DOWN SCHOOLS TO DESTROY RECORDS, PASS THE TIME, OR COVER UP PETTY OFFENSES. POLITICAL DISSENTERS INCREASINGLY USE ARSON AS A TERRORIST TACTIC. MANY CRIMINALS START FIRES TO DISGUISE THEIR ORIGINAL CRIME, USUALLY BURGLARY OR MURDER. BUT POLICE AND FIRE BRIGADE INVESTIGATORS IN ENGLAND SUSPECT THAT MORE AND MORE CRIMINALS SPECIALIZE IN FIRE SETTING AS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. ARSON HAS A HIGH RATIO OF SUCCESS SINCE EVIDENCE IS OFTEN THOROUGHLY OBLITERATED. THESE ARSON PROFESSIONALS SET FIRES TO OBTAIN INSURANCE MONEY FOR THEMSELVES OR FOR A CONTRACTOR. THEY ARE ACQUAINTED WITH ARSON INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES AND WILL ASSESS THEIR CHANCES OF DETECTION USING CERTAIN METHODS ON A SPECIFIED SITE. IF INSURANCE COMPANIES WOULD REQUIRE CLIENTS TO TAKE REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRES (SUCH AS REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS, UNNECESSARY FLAMMABLES) AND PROVIDE TIGHTER PLANT AND BUILDING SECURITY, CRIMINALS WOULD FIND IT MORE DIFFICULT TO ARRANGE INSURANCE PAYOFFS. POTENTIAL TRUE VICTIMS OF SABOTAGE, VANDALISM, AND ARSON ATTACK WOULD BE BETTER PROTECTED. (DAG)