Dog has leading role in arson detection

5:53pm Tuesday 31st July 2007

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THE devastating effect of arson attacks was put in the spotlight at a special event - and there was a guest appearance by a very clever canine.

Fire and police chiefs attended the Respect Forum, hosted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and gave presentations about the ways in which arson is being tackled in Basingstoke and across Hampshire.

Members of the Arson Task Force - a specialist partnership between Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) and Hampshire Constabulary to support investigations into deliberate and serious fires - were among those at the event.

Their aim is to increase the detection and conviction rate of arsonists.

Key personnel from the borough council also spoke about how all agencies are working in partnership in an attempt to drive down arson and anti-social-behaviour-related crime.

The Property Safety Scheme, recently set up by the borough council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, aims to identify derelict or unoccupied buildings before they are targeted.

Ryan Thurman, station manager at Basingstoke fire station, highlighted several recent examples - one in Abbey Road, Popley, Basingstoke - where the partnership has reduced the risk of derelict properties becoming targets for firebugs.

Chief Inspector Jill Baldry, district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, told the audience that the most important thing was to have "the right people, in the right place, in the right numbers, at the right time" so residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

The forum was also treated to a demonstration from HFRS's fire investigation dog, who is trained to detect the presence of ignitable liquids where arson is suspected.

Saxon, a rescue dog, has undergone extensive training and has got a 100 per cent accuracy rate since he was deployed in the role earlier this year.

The forum was organised to encourage partnership working and comes after the borough council was awarded Beacon Status for preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Harry Robinson, Cabinet member for community safety and development, said: "All the partners have a lot to learn from each other and this event has given us an opportunity to share our experiences and continue to raise our level of service to increase residents' safety in the borough."