The number of arsons in Tower Hamlets has gone down by more than 80 per cent in the past ten years, according to figures released by the London Fire Brigade.
Fire crews attended a total of 2,910 arson calls in 2001/2 - an average of 56 each week. The average weekly figure now stands at just 11.
The brigade puts the decrease down to a drive to ensure fly tipping is removed from the streets as quickly as possible. An increase in the value of scrap metal has also led to a reduction in the number of abandoned vehicles, which were often targeted by arsonists.
The brigade’s borough commander for Tower Hamlets Bruce Epsly said: “We have worked incredibly hard with partners, the police and the council, to bring these figures down and make the capital safer. However, we cannot be complacent.”
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