Criminal damage and arson

Have you been affected by, or do you want to know more about, criminal damage and arson?

Criminal damage is when someone intentionally and maliciously damages your home, property or vehicle. It includes graffiti and other vandalism. Sometimes the damage is not intentional but is instead caused by someone’s dangerous or reckless behaviour.

Arson is when someone deliberately sets fire to your home or belongings. This can range from a wheelie bin set on fire through to a large building or business being targeted. Arson is damaging, costly and incredibly dangerous. Fires can easily spread out of control and put lives at risk.

How you might be feeling

Experiencing criminal damage and arson can affect you in different ways. Some signs that you’re not coping emotionally may include:

general low mood, feeling sad or down
not able to concentrate
excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
difficulty sleeping
extreme mood changes of highs and lows
withdrawal from friends and activities
significant tiredness and low energy
inability to cope with daily problems or stress
trouble understanding and relating to situations or to people
problems with alcohol or drug use
dysfunctional eating habits
excessive anger, hostility or violence
self-harming or suicidal thinking

These are all normal feelings, and you can get support to help you to cope and find a way forward.

Get the help you need

If you’d like more information or support, contact us now.

As well as receiving help from us, you can also get support from other organisations and charities. See below or search our directory.

How to report it

In an emergency, if arson or criminal damage is being committed, if you’ve just witnessed it, or if there’s a risk of injury or serious damage to property, call 999.

In a non-emergency, to report an incident or make a general inquiry, dial 101. You can also report incidents on the Greater Manchester Police website.

Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity that’s entirely independent of police.

What you can do

Here are six things you can do:

If your home or property has been damaged, try to get it repaired as soon as possible. Things left in a state of disrepair often attract more damage.

Note down any events that you think are related to the incident. For example, harassment or further attacks on your property. Record as much detail as possible, including the date and time of anything that takes place, and pass this on to the police.

If possible, get photographic or video evidence. But do this carefully and don’t put yourself at risk.

Think about what home security you currently have in place, and consider upgrading it.

Report any accumulated rubbish or fly-tipping to your local council. If left, it might become a target for arson.

Get advice about protecting your property from fire, a free home-safety check and more information about arson from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.