ARSON attacks have dropped on Teesside thanks to a multi-agency approach.

Delegates at a seminar tomorrow will be told that property arson is down by 22 per cent on this time last year.

Les Jones, Cleveland Fire Brigade's community fire safety manager, said the success is due to a partnership with all four councils on Teesside and the police.

Each of the local authorities has adopted Operation Magpie, which sees the rapid removal of dumped furniture and rubbish before vandals can set fire to it.

The widespread use of gates across back lanes and alleys are keeping arsonists away from the rear of people's homes in some neighbourhoods, and Operation Cubit is also helping the fight by ensuring abandoned untaxed cars are removed.

Mr Jones said: "Despite the fact that property related fires are down, 89 per cent of our fires are still deliberate fires, which is high.

"We are looking to building on our partnership and help take it forward. We can't do it on our own.

"The multi-agency approach to tackling arson is showing real progress and results, with initiatives such as Operation Magpie and Cubit making a positive impact, along with alley gates and the introduction of community wardens."

The half-day seminar will look at arson investigation, training, local initiatives for arson reduction and fire statistics.