Warwickshire News Mine

The campaign, which was officially launched in October 2009, aims to target those premises who sell matches and lighters to young people under the age of 18 years in Warwickshire.

Over the last year it has proved to be very successful with 88% of participating shops feeling empowered to refuse the sale of these goods and a 68% reduction of young people attempting to buy matches or lighters from local stores. Due to its success the scheme is now being rolled out county-wide.

Arson Reduction Manager, Roly Bayley said: "We are delighted the campaign has been received so well and I would like to thank all of the retailers who have helped to make the scheme a success.

"Small fires are a real issue for the service and on average we attend 1,500 incidents a year. Evidence shows that the vast majority of these fires are started by children and young people between 10 and 18 years of age, with all of those fires having been started with matches or lighters.”

Even though there is no legal minimum age for purchasing matches or lighters, as part of the scheme, firefighters and members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team have been visiting shops, stressing that since 1st October 2007, it has been illegal to sell cigarettes or tobacco to those under the age of 18, therefore, children under this age should have no reason to purchase matches or lighters. 

Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Councillor Richard Hobbs said:
“I am pleased the ‘Strike Out’ campaign has been well received by local retailers and hope that by rolling out the campaign across the county we will help to reduce the number of deliberate small fires we attend which involve a young person who has managed to purchase matches or lighters.” 
Retailers interested in taking part in the scheme can log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue to find out more.

Link to WCC