By Matt Bowling: Arson in Stoke-on-Trent is still above the national average.

While statistics obtained by StaffsLive show that the number of arsons in the area is slowly falling, it is still higher than in other parts of the country.

Arson costs the economy £53.8 million each week in England and Wales, and is occurring in Stoke-on-Trent at a rate of three a day.

As days get longer over the summer period, the risk of arson increases as under 17′s, who are the main pulpitrators of the offence stay out longer and take advantage of opportunites to set fires.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are appealing to business owners and residents to not put out rubbish bins early, and to review security on a regular basis.

Reporter Matt Bowling has this report.