DISCOURAGING motorists from setting fire to cars to make fraudulent insurance claims, was the aim of a dramatic reconstruction at Lancashire Fire Service's training centre in Euxton.

A Bedford van was torched in a controlled exercise (pictured left) - grabbing the attention of local press and members of the public - to highlight the Wheels On Fire initiative.

A joint project between local authorities, the county council, the Fire Service and Lancashire Constabulary, it has already had a significant effect in reducing levels of car arson - for fraudulent insurance claims and destroying evidence of crime.

John Taylor, Lancashire Fire Service's communications officer, said: "The strategy involves sharing information between participating agencies to expose attempted insurance scams and towing away abandoned cars before they are torched."

The event also included the launch of the Crimestoppers Arson Hotline, which operates in a similar way to the police version. Posters will be displayed in the vicinity of a fire, quoting the free and confidential Crimestoppers Arson Hotline - 0800 555 111 - to encourage callers who have information about a fire to tell investigators what they know.

Lancashire County Council leader John West said: "The county council is keen to be involved in initiatives like these which are aimed at preventing and detecting arson.

"By working in partnership with the police and fire authorities we can help to make Lancashire a safer place."

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