ARSON attacks have fallen dramatically in the West Midlands thanks to a campaign by police and firefighters.

The number of incidents of fires being started deliberately has dropped by a staggering 73 per cent over the last decade.

It is all being credited to the Arson Task Force which was set up in 2003 by the Government with a target of reducing arson by ten per cent by 2010.

The task force is a partnership between West Midlands Fire Service and the police and sees a dedicated team of officers work on initiatives to stamp out firebugs.

These included working with all seven local authorities and the police to ensure that abandoned vehicles are towed away much quicker than before.

Fly tipping has been reduced, with action taken against the perpetrators.