Risk news

Businesses have been warned to take a few simple precautions to avoid falling victim to arson attacks carried out by "bored school-children".

Norwich Union said that the summer holidays were a "notorious time of year for arson attacks", but that often such fires could be easily prevented.

Paul Redington, property claims manager at Norwich Union, told us: "We want to raise awareness of this problem and ensure that businesses undertake risk management to protect their property by implementing a number of easy, cost effective or 'no cost' measures."

Norwich Union said that one of the common causes of arson was through waste being stored outside properties in wheelie bins or on pallets.

Paul Redington recommended that that all such waste be kept secure and out of reach, particularly on industrial estates, retail parks and outside of supermarkets.

"We have seen devastating fire damage due to unsecured bins being pushed against buildings and the contents ignited causing the fire to spread," he said.

Unoccupied buildings
Mr Redington went on to say that fire damage to unoccupied buildings was also a "major concern" as children often used such spaces as playgrounds.

"Always ensure that perimeters are intact with good quality, well maintained fencing, walls and gates and that entrances and windows are fully sealed or boarded up as once a child is inside the property, the owner or occupier could be liable for any injury caused."

He added: "Any security that is in place should be made obvious. CCTV should be fully advertised as it acts as a strong deterrent.

"Similarly, an effective alarm system is crucial but if possible don't rely on a bells only system but invest in a central station alarm which will alert the fire brigade and the emergency services who will react immediately."

Local knowledge
The Norwich Union claims manager also advised property owners to be fully aware of the environment surrounding their business, in order to appreciate the risks that may be posed.

"A well-established business should have sufficient local knowledge. However, for new businesses a simple check on something like 'Google Maps' should confirm the whereabouts of near-by schools and housing."

Earlier this year the Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealed that ¿790 million was paid out in commercial fire claims - up 60% on the previous year.

The cost to business in terms of disruption was put at ¿220 million - higher than at any time since 1997.