War against arson (From The Bolton News)

War against arson

A JOINT initiative to combat arson in the county was launched this week at Euxton's fire training centre.

John West, leader of Lancashire County Council, joined members from the region's Fire Authority and officers from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on Tuesday to launch the scheme called Wheels on Fire.

This initiative will see the sharing of information to expose attempted insurance scams as well as making sure abandoned cars are removed before they are torched. The scheme has been piloted in West Lancashire where a significant reduction in levels of auto arson have been seen.

Posters will also be displayed asking members of the public to call the Crimestoppers Arson Hot-line on 0800 555 111 if they have any information about a fire. The number will also be featured in a county-wide bus advertising campaign.

County councillor, John West, said: "Lancashire County Council is keen to be involved in initiatives like these which are aimed at preventing and detecting arson.

"By working in partnership with the police and fire authorities, we can help make Lancashire a safer place."

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