A crime-busting team headed by an ex-police sergeant has been brought in by Shropshire fire chiefs worried that arson could increase because of the recession.

Officers hope the appointment of Derek Taylor as fire crime officer will help make their targets for reducing the number of fires “recession proof”.

Five risk reduction officers are also being employed to help businesses and individuals ensure their properties are safeguarded.

Mike Ablitt, head of fire prevention at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the number of deliberate fires had been falling.

But already this year there have been 35 deliberate domestic fires – a rise of three on the same period last year.

And there are concerns that during a recession the number of deliberate fires could rise because there are more empty properties and more people out of work.

Mr Ablitt said: “We’re concerned that with a recession effectively comes an increase in fires and in particular deliberate fires.

“We’re putting in place every robust measure to try to prevent that.

“We’re trying to recession-proof our targets for fire reduction.

“We’ve employed a fire crime officer who is an ex-police officer and his sole responsibility is to drive down arsons across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

“He will deal with businesses and the residential communities and will start next week.”

Mr Ablitt’s comments come after the Association of British Insurers warned that arson attacks may be on the rise after the cost of fire damage rose to a new high during 2008.

The ABI said the cost of fire damage to the insurance industry rose by 16 per cent during 2008 to a record £1.3 billion.