Cole Stresses Tips on Preventing
Vehicle Arson
Arson Awareness Week May 6-12
JEFFERSON CITY, May 7, 2007-State Fire Marshal Randy
Cole and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety join with the U.S. Fire
Administration (USFA) and the International Association of Arson Investigators
(IAAI) in recognizing Arson Awareness Week May 6-12 with this year’s
theme being “Vehicle Arson: Who Pays for this Crime?”
This year’s goal is to focus public attention
on vehicle arson by raising their awareness level to the startling
statistics of this crime. Vehicle arson accounts for 29 percent of
all arson. Annually, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National
Fire Protection Association indicates over 30,000 intentionally set
vehicle fires account for over $150 million dollars in property damage.
Arson is the second highest cause of vehicle fires.
“Arson is a costly crime impacting every individual
who has property insurance,” Cole said. “Missourians incur
unnecessary costs associated with this crime through increased insurance
premiums.”
Financial gain through insurance fraud is just one motivational
factor of an arson fire. Although many may view this type of crime
as “victimless”, this characterization is far from the
truth.
Economic downturns are frequently linked to arson incidents.
Not only are auto thieves trying to destroy evidence, but financially
strapped owners trying to get out of a costly auto debt in an attempt
to collect on their insurance policy are just a few motivating factors.
Keys to Preventing Vehicle Arson:
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
• Use secure parking lots for extended periods
• Close all windows
• Remove the key from the ignition
• Always lock doors
• Use antitheft devices
• Report abandoned vehicles to the police
Law enforcement and fire service authorities alone cannot
reduce vehicle arson. Combating arson fires is a team effort. If you
witness such a crime, please utilize the Arson Hotline 800-39ARSON
to anonymously report such information.