With schools across Northamptonshire breaking up for the Easter holidays, the Arson Task Force is calling on landlords and property owners to urgently secure vacant and derelict buildings amid a recent increase in youth‑related anti‑social behaviour and deliberate fire‑setting.
The Arson Task Force, a partnership between Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and Northamptonshire Police, is reminding landlords of their legal and moral responsibility to ensure their premises are safe. Unsecured buildings can quickly become magnets for trespassing, vandalism and arson, especially during school breaks when young people have more free time.
Kelly Crockett, Arson Reduction Coordinator, stressed the importance of early prevention:
“Building owners and landlords must ensure their properties are secured and regularly checked to mitigate risks. It’s their responsibility to prevent these buildings from becoming hotspots for anti-social behaviour.”
As part of its prevention work, the Arson Task Force also engages with children and young people who may be drawn into fire‑setting behaviours.
The team is urging parents and carers to speak to young people about the dangers of entering derelict buildings. Although these sites may appear exciting or abandoned, they often contain hidden hazards such as unstable floors, unprotected drops, live electrics, flood risks, and hazardous materials.
Many derelict buildings are also used for criminal activity, further increasing the danger for anyone who enters and for emergency responders who may be called to rescue them.
“These buildings pose significant risks, not only to those who enter them but also to the Fire Service and Police should they need to respond. We strongly advise against entering or playing inside these buildings,” added Kelly.
The Task Force is asking landlords to take steps to secure vacant buildings and to carry out regular checks throughout the school holiday period. Even simple precautions, repairing broken doors or windows, installing better locks or boarding up unsafe access points, can significantly reduce opportunities for anti‑social behaviour.
Residents are also encouraged to report concerns about vulnerable properties or suspicious activity, helping emergency services respond before incidents escalate.
For guidance on landlord responsibilities, visit our website: www.northantsfire.gov.uk/landlord-fire-safety-law-and-your-responsibilities.
If you have information about a deliberately started fire at a derelict building, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or via their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
If a fire is in progress or if danger is immediate, please call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
For advice and guidance please email: arsontaskforce@northantsfire.gov.uk or arsontaskforce@northants.police.uk
For further information, please visit: www.northantsfire.gov.uk/arson-and-deliberate-fires/
