Tanya Powley
Post Magazine
Copyright 2006 Timothy Benn Publishing Limited
All Rights Reserved
UK — The fire service and the Insurance Fraud Bureau are planning a crack down on the multi-million-pound arson problem, with plans for a deal to be signed between the two in the new year.
Insurer Axa recently estimated that arson fires account for £4 of every £10 of crime-related business claims, and the Arson Prevention Bureau reports that it costs the economy £53.8m each week in England and Wales.
Peter Mansi, chief forensic fire examiner at the London Fire Brigade and president of the UK chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, told Post that he was preparing a short analysis of the association’s position nationally, which he will present to IFB chairman John Beadle in January.
“I’ve approached John on two hands - with my London Fire Brigade hat on and also from an IAAI UK perspective. We’re looking to set up a formal agreement in which we share information with each other, so that we can cut down on fraudulent activity.”
Although Mr Mansi admitted that it was early days for the initiative - with details yet to be finalised - he believed the two industries could work well with each other. “We often have information that might be useful for the IFB that can help them with their own investigations. Joining forces will help us with our task to reduce and tackle arson in the UK.”
Mr Mansi added that the IAAI has 19 representatives situated throughout the UK. Overall, the UK chapter has about 500 members, with representatives from the fire service, the insurance industry, law enforcement, forensic scientists, private fire investigators, fire investigation training providers and forensic science academic establishments.