Pilot Arson Scheme Trialled In Redditch

A scheme aimed at stopping young people from committing arson has been piloted in a Worcestershire town.

The pilot scheme, which was organised by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, took place from December 8th to the 11th of the month.

As part of the rehabilitative plans, five boys - aged between 11 and 14 - were invited to Redditch Fire Station to see the kind of destruction and upset that arson and anti-social behaviour can cause.

The participants spent two days in Redditch, the third was spent at Droitwich Fire Station where they joined the Urban Search and Rescue team to see the work they do.

Adele Watkins, from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said she hoped the scheme would stop children from causing fires, although she admitted there is no such thing as a all-fitting quick fix.

"We recognise that the reasons for youngsters starting fires deliberately are complex and vary from individual to individual," she said. "The strength of this pilot scheme is that it brings the various agencies together to look at each aspect."

Those that took part in the three-day safety and fire training course had a history of starting disruptive fires.

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