The Arson Task Force (ATF) is part funded by the Arson Control Forum (ACF).  It operates by carrying out detailed arson investigations and analysis in the region.

The ATF agrees policies and undertaking projects with its partners aiming to improve detection and reduce arson throughout the West Midlands.

The targets for the Arson Task Force are:

• To stop the increase in arson and to reduce it by 10% by 2009/10 from the 2001/02 baseline.
• To increase the Police arson detection figures.

Arson Control Forum (ACF)

The report of the Arson Scoping Study published in May 1999, made twenty-two recommendations that form the basis of a Government-led strategy to put in place more effective arson control arrangements.  The report confirmed that there was a clear need for a multi-agency approach to tackling arson at both the national and local level.  The report also confirmed the need for improved co-operation, information sharing and the use of common terminology in tackling arson coupled with an extension of good practice protocols devised by Fire Services, Police Forces and Insurers.

The Arson Control Forum (ACF) was set up to assume the central role for directing efforts to combat arson. It is chaired by Commander Andy Baker, Metropolitan Police Service, with a Secretariat provided by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Due to the nature of arson, the work of the Forum feeds into, and derives benefit from other government-led crime reduction initiatives such as the Property Crime Reduction Action Team (PCRAT) and the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team (VCRAT).  Representatives from the government bodies that sponsor these initiatives also sit on the Forum which then provides the strategic direction to the government-led arson control/prevention programme, addressing the many facets of the growing menace of arson.

For more information on the Arson Task Force (ATF), please click on the following website address:  www.wmarsontaskforce.gov.uk

If you have any know of any abandoned vehicles in your area, call 0121 303 6789 for free removal.