The number of arson attacks in Brent have plummeted by 85 per cent over the last decade, according to new figures released today by London Fire Brigade.

Last year the number of deliberate fires in the borough was 106 a dramatic decrease from 691 in 2003.

The same figures shows across London the figure last year was 4,213 or around 81 each week where as in 2003/4 fire crews were tackling 644 deliberate fires a week.

The Brigade has set up a number of schemes which have been cited in helping reduction of deliberate fires.

Firefighters are also working closely with local authorities to remove abandoned vehicles and fly tipping from the streets.

Deliberate fires across the capital have dropped by nearly 90 per cent in the last decade across the city.

The number of car fires in Brent have also rapidly decreased in the last decade from 256 to 61

Ron Dobson, London Fire Commissioner, said: “Over the last decade the Brigade has worked extremely hard alongside its partners in the police and local councils to make it more difficult than ever for mindless vandals to endanger the lives of Londoners by setting fire to rubbish and vehicles left in our streets.

“We cannot be complacent though and I would urge anyone who sees an abandoned vehicle or dumped rubbish to report it to their local council, which will help get it removed so it cannot become a target for would be arsonists.”

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: This is good news especially when it comes to public safety.

“Eight-five per cent is a massive reduction but there is always more when can do to improve public safety and Brent Council will continue to do so.”