Oxfordshire is the 15th worst county in Britain for cars being targeted by arsonists, it was revealed in a survey today (MON SEPT 28).

The Arson Prevention Bureau, league table of 57 countieswhich records the number of deliberately started car fires, lists the county as the 15th worst.

But Thames Valley Police say drivers are becoming more proficient when it comes to securing their cars and this is leading to an overall reduction in car crime.

The figures for 1996 show the county dealt with car 499 fires in the year. This works out to 201 deliberate fires per 100,000 cars. Buckinghamshire dealt with 427 fires that year. This equates to only 129 per 100,000 cars.

Supt David Belcher, of Thames Valley Police territorial policing department, which includes forcewide crime reduction, said: "A good proportion of vehicles which are burnt out have been stolen.

"Methods of detection and forensic examination have become more sophisticated and the thieves realise that.

"If they steal a car they then try to cover their tracks by burning the vehicles."

"It is generally older vehicles that are being stolen and unless the owners have fitted alarms or immobilers the cars are easier to steal than newer models. "We want car owners to look at simple methods of protecting their car. This could be a steering wheel lock or an immobiliser."

He added that theft of vehicles in the Thames Valley had fallen by 17.5 per cent from April last year to June this year.

"Theft from vehicles is also down by 12 per cent, so we are getting our vehicle security message across and moving in the right direction," he added.

Police are also working with local councils to ensure that vehicles can be safely left in public car parks.

The study shows the worst area is Tyne and Wear with 1,654 fires.

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