Data compiled by legal experts at the claims company discovered York was a county hotspot for arson attacks, with nearly 50 crimes recorded each year since 2022, totaling 142 Arsons.
Legal experts said North Yorkshire Police estimated that out of the 524 attacks recorded across the county, 422 have caused some degree of harm to individuals.
They added that only 56 suspects had age and gender recorded by police, of which 30 or 54% were in the age group between 11 and 17.
This brings the highest percentage of youth offenders in North Yorkshire in the UK, with only two other counties recording minor arsonists more regularly.
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North Yorkshire police said the outcome of the arson attack was “potentially fatal.”
A police spokesperson said: “As well as adhering to law-abiding members and their property, which are at extreme risk of death, serious injury and economic loss, it also puts criminals at risk of death or serious injury.
“It can put the entire community at risk and impact the local economy.”
Crossing North Yorkshire, York has been the top of the arson list for 142 crimes since 2022, with Scarborough and Rydale second at 138, while Hambleton and Richmondshire third at 93.
A Force spokesman said: “Arsons are often linked to the antisocial behaviour we are targeting through hotspot policing operations. These are additional high visibility patrols targeted in areas where intelligence shows that there is more antisocial behaviour and serious violence.”
The York and North Yorkshire combination authorities have taken on the role of former police and crime commissioners in the county since its formation.
“Our new police and crime plan addresses the root causes of crime in York and North Yorkshire through education, community programs and early intervention, setting priorities to prevent crime before intervention early before crime occurs,” said Joe Coles, deputy mayor of police, fires and crime at the agency.
She added: “We are also investing in increasing policing in the neighborhood as a result of an additional £1.9 million investment from the new government. Fire and rescue plans also set prevention and early intervention as priorities to reduce fires and its causes.
“We will work closely with all our partners to reduce crime and create safe places across York and North Yorkshire.”
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