Sheffield Crime - Why do people set Cars on Fire in Sheffield? | Expert Deep Dive
Sheffield continues to experience a significant number of deliberate vehicle fires, with multiple incidents occurring weekly across the metropolitan area, according to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service incident reports and police investigation data.
Sheffield continues to experience a significant number of deliberate vehicle fires, with multiple incidents occurring weekly across the metropolitan area, according to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service incident reports and police investigation data.
Statistical Overview
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue crews dealt with 3,900 deliberate fire incidents in 2020, representing a substantial portion of emergency responses across the region. South Yorkshire witnessed over 20,000 deliberate fire incidents between 2019 and the data collection period, placing the county among the highest-affected areas nationally alongside Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and Northern Ireland.
However, recent data indicates improvement in the overall trend. Deliberate fires set in South Yorkshire have reduced by 30 per cent in the past year, suggesting that prevention and enforcement efforts are yielding measurable results.
Recent High-Profile Incidents
Parkway Drive Mass Arson (July 2023)
The most significant single incident occurred in July 2023 at a vehicle compound on Parkway Drive. More than 50 cars were reportedly set ablaze in a suspected arson attack, with at least 10 fire engines and accompanying police vehicles scrambled to the scene at around 11.15pm. The incident also involved two motorbikes and required residents to keep windows and doors shut.
The location is believed to be a compound for cars which have been seized, indicating that the target may have been specifically chosen for its concentration of vehicles.
Herries Road Spree (October 2016)
An earlier systematic attack demonstrated the coordinated nature of some vehicle arson incidents. A total of 11 car fires occurred within two square miles of Herries Road, with all vehicles receiving similar damage to the front end or rear end but no car was totally gutted. This pattern suggests deliberate targeting rather than random vandalism.
Recent Beighton Incidents (February 2025)
Three fires were recorded in three days over February 23 and 25, with all three locations within one square mile of one another, involving wheelie bins set on fire and pushed up against homes, leading to hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage. A wheelie bin was allegedly pulled alongside a home in Meadowgate Avenue, Beighton at 1.40am on February 25 and set ablaze, destroying two cars and badly damaging the home.
Geographic Distribution
The incidents show clustering in specific areas of Sheffield, with particular concentrations in:
- Beighton district (recent February 2025 incidents)
- Herries Road area (2016 spree)
- Parkway Drive industrial area (major 2023 incident)
- Areas within specific square-mile zones, suggesting either territorial patterns or accessibility factors
Investigative Response
A suspect has been arrested and bailed in connection with recent incidents, indicating active police investigation. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue joined up with Crimestoppers to allow the public to anonymously report information on deliberate fire-setting by calling 0800 169 5558.
Prevention Efforts and Results
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has achieved huge reductions in arson incidents since 2004 due to the success of prevention work. The service continues to analyze incident patterns and implement targeted prevention strategies in affected areas.
The persistence of vehicle arson incidents in Sheffield reflects a complex challenge involving social, economic, and criminal factors that require sustained multi-agency response combining law enforcement, fire service prevention work, and community engagement initiatives.
Sources;
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
