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Qualitative Crime Pattern Identification

Monday, October 21, 2024

Arson

 Arson involves the intentional act of starting a fire with the purpose of causing damage or harm. Arsonists set fire to buildings, wild areas, vehicles, or other property.

Arson MO Variables

Objectives:

  • Financial Gain: Insurance fraud is where the perpetrator sets fire to property to collect insurance money.

  • Revenge or Emotional Release: Personal grievances or emotional disturbances can drive the act.

  • Terrorism or Political Goals: Ideologically motivated arson aimed at creating fear or advancing political objectives.

  • Destruction of Evidence: Used as a means to destroy evidence of another crime.

Planning and Organization:

  • Target Selection: The choice of target may be random or well-planned, based on ease of access, likelihood of total destruction, and potential for evading detection.

  • Timing: Off-peak hours or when the building is unoccupied are often chosen to minimize witnesses and maximize damage.

  • Reconnaissance: Surveillance of the target to understand its vulnerabilities may be involved in more organized forms of arson.

Technical Framework:

  • Accelerants: The use of flammable liquids or substances to hasten the fire.

  • Ignition Devices: Simple matches, electrical devices, or more sophisticated timers may be used.

  • Placement: Where the fire is started in the building or property can indicate the arsonist's level of knowledge and objectives.

Execution:

  • Incendiary Method: The specific way the fire is set, such as pouring gasoline in a pattern, using a Molotov cocktail, or rigging an electrical fire.

  • Exit Strategy: Quick escape routes are often pre-identified to evade immediate capture.

Intermediaries:

  • Accomplices: Sometimes multiple individuals are involved in planning and execution.

  • Informants: In organized criminal networks, third parties may provide key information about targets.

Legal Evasion:

  • Disguise or Concealment: Perpetrators may try to make the arson look accidental or like an electrical fire.

  • Alibis: Constructing solid alibis for the time of the arson to mislead investigators.

  • Avoidance of Surveillance: Evading CCTV cameras or witnesses during both the planning and execution stages.

Aftermath:

  • Resale of Property: In cases of insurance fraud, once the insurance money is collected, the property may be rebuilt and sold.

  • Pattern Avoidance: Serial arsonists may alter their MO to avoid detection and apprehension.

Scene of Arson Evidence Examples: 

set distinctly separate fires, trailers/streamers of combustibles used to spread fire, consistent point of origin , consistent burn pattern, ignited fire in trash can, ignited fire in building, ignited fire in vehicle, indicators of professional arsonist, indicators of amateur arsonist, unidentifiable point of origin of fire, blocked/obstructed entry/exit, disabled sprinklers/alarms, covered or blocked windows, broken windows/doors, multiple items fired, altering natural gas flow, altering electrical system, forcible entry, multiple ignition points

Tools & Equipment Variable Examples

used matches to start/spread the fire, used lighter to start/spread the fire, used an accelerant to start/spread the fire, used a torch to start/spread fire, used a tool to start/spread the fire, used debris to start/spread the fire, used wood for fuel, used paper for fuel, used gasoline for fuel, used kerosene for fuel, used propane for fuel, used alcohol for fuel, used benzene for fuel, used petroleum ether for fuel, used naphtha for fuel, used turpentine for fuel, used chemicals for fuel, used flammable gas for fuel, used a time-delayed device, used candles as a time-delayed device, used electrical equipment to set fire, used explosive device, used improvised incendiary device, used Molotov cocktail

Tactics/Behaviors/Motives Examples

  • Seeks out locations with limited surveillance or visibility

  • Conducts arson during specific weather conditions (high wind, low humidity)

  • Targets locations based on specific religious, ethnic, or cultural identities

  • Used distraction tactics (setting a smaller fire elsewhere to draw attention away from main target)

  • Used remote/digital methods to trigger the fire (such as hacked IoT devices)

  • Consistent time of arson occurrence (time of day, day of the week)

  • Used smoking materials to start the fire (cigarettes, cigars)

Other Offender MO Example Variables

  • appeared to surveil target 

  • appeared to cover up arson 

  • appeared to conceal another crime 

  • entered/exited/escaped through window 

  • entered/exited/escaped through door

  • entered/exited/escaped through roof 

  • possible return to the scene 

  • removal of valuables/pets before fire was set 

  • disguising a burglary 

  • disguising a vehicle theft 

  • theft from premises 

  • suspicious questioning prior to arson 

  • suspicious social media messages prior to arson 

  • suspicious or unattended items prior to arson,

  • communication/claims made by the arsonist

  • suspicious social media messages prior to arson,

  • suspicious or unattended items prior to arson

  • appeared to divert attention from another crime

  • non-local or transient offender 

  • the arsonist with a recognizable modus operandi

  • the arsonist that leaves symbolic or message-based evidence at the crime scene

Possible Offender Characteristics 

  • antisocial personality disorder firesetter
  • rebellious adolescent firesetter

  • gang-affiliated firesetter

  • serial arsonist

  • juveniles operating as a group

  • firefighter arsonist

  • financially motivated adult firesetter

  • fire-setting as a learned behavior

  • criminal record for other offenses

  • indications of family problems or instability

  • employment history in related fields (fire services, construction)

  • arsonist showing signs of remorse or guilt

  • claiming innocence despite evidence

  • denial or minimization of the arson

  • blaming others for the arson

  • history of recent loss or trauma

  • interest in media coverage of fires

  • showing a fascination or unusual interest in fires/firefighting

  • showing signs of stress or personal crisis at the time of the arson


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