Criminal damage and arson

Have you been affected by criminal damage or arson?

Criminal damage is when someone deliberately damages or destroys your property. This could affect your home, belongings, vehicle, business, or other property that is important to you.

Examples include vandalism like graffiti, broken windows, damage to vehicles, or destruction of personal belongings. In some cases, damage may be caused by someone acting recklessly or dangerously, even if they didn’t specifically intend to damage your property.

Having your property damaged can feel upsetting and violating, particularly if it affects your home or things that matter to you.

What is arson?

Arson is a serious form of criminal damage where someone deliberately sets fire to property or belongings.

This might include setting fire to items such as wheelie bins, vehicles, sheds or rubbish, or deliberately targeting homes, buildings or businesses.

Fires can spread quickly and unpredictably, which means arson can place people, homes and entire communities at risk. Even smaller fires can cause significant damage and leave people feeling unsafe.

The impact of criminal damage and arson

When someone damages your property or sets a fire, the impact can go beyond the physical damage. It may affect how safe you feel in your home, neighbourhood or workplace.

You may also have to deal with practical challenges such as repairs, insurance claims or temporary disruption to your living situation.

Get the help you need

If you would like information, advice or emotional support, call us on 0800 876 6155. We can listen to what has happened and help you understand what support options are available.

You can get support whether or not the crime has been reported to the police.

Depending on the situation, you may also be able to get help from:

• Your local council, particularly if the damage affects public spaces or neighbourhood safety
• Your housing provider or landlord, if the damage affects a rented property
• Your insurance provider, if you need help repairing or replacing damaged property

Things that may help after an incident

If your property has been damaged or affected by fire, there are some practical steps that may help. You can take these at your own pace and only if it feels safe to do so:

• Arrange repairs when you’re able – Fixing damage like broken windows or doors may help restore a sense of safety and reduce the risk of further damage.
• Make a note of anything related to the incident – If further problems occur, writing down details like dates, times and what happened may help if you decide to report it or speak to the police later.
• Keep evidence if it feels safe to do so – Photographs or videos of the damage can sometimes help with investigations or insurance claims. Only do this if it doesn’t put you at risk.
• Consider your home security – Some people choose to review things like locks, lighting or alarms after an incident. You may wish to look into this when you feel ready.
• Report environmental risks – If there’s rubbish, fly-tipping or dumped materials nearby, you can report this to your local council so it can be removed.
• Seek fire safety advice – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service can provide advice on protecting your home from fire and may offer a free home safety check.