Fire and police walkabouts on Telford estates has dramatically reduced fires
Fire and police on a regular walkabouts in Telford have helped reduce crime and arson in the area.
Their job is to reduce fires, to reassure the public after a fire, and get out fire safety messages to prevent fires in the home and deliberate arson incidents.
In Brookside there were 96 deliberate fires over an 8 month period last year - as a result of action they have taken - the fires are now down to under 20 this year in 2012 - a dramatic fall.
Because of the 2011 fires, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service set up a trial in April this year and worked with police and set up joint walkabouts in Brookdside with Kate or Shane linking up with a Community Support Officer - who already knew everyone in the area.
They have met up with youngsters at the skate park, Youth Shelter, local shopping centre during not only daytime but evening walkabouts as well.
It is the last week of the school holidays this week so Kate will be back on patrol on Thursday.
Youngsters now know the Risk Reduction Officers from the fire service and come and talk to them if there is a deliberate arson attack anywhere. There was one last week when cardboard abandoned under a tree was set alight on Brookside.
The fire service and CSO's also lookout for flytips which have the potential to be set alight and get them cleared with the help of Telford and Wrekin Council.
