FIRE chiefs have teamed up with the police in an attempt to cut down on the number of arson attacks on business premises.

A roadshow has been organised for business bosses in the Cleveland brigade area next Friday.

Its aim is to crack down on arson and crime in commercial and industrial premises.

It will be held at the Portrack Lane Industrial Estate, in Stockton, in the car park area of Collectables.

It will provide business owners with advice on fire and crime prevention, and enable fire and police chiefs to look at ways to address the threat to industrial and commercial premises.

Rebecca Barratt, an arson reduction officer for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "Arson is a major problem within the brigade area.

"There were 143 arson attacks on business premises during 2003/2004 in Cleveland.

"This project aims to help reduce this problem by inviting businesses in the area and giving them fire prevention advice and assistance including an audit of arson risks.

"We will also be taking the brigade's community education vehicle to the roadshow and the police will attend with their crime prevention vehicle. Advice, training and demonstrations offered could be of benefit to businesses and workforces. The information available will assist in protecting premises from the risk of deliberate fire setting and crime."

If any employer would like to take part in any of the free activities or would like further information they are asked to contact the Arson Task Force on (01429) 872377 before Wednesday.

Last month, the Arson Task Force mounted a poster campaign to involve members of the public in identifying people who cause nearly 90 per cent of all fires in the area.

Posters are to be displayed in prominent places, including the sites of recent fires, to encourage people to contact Crimestoppers with any information.

Leaflets which explain how anonymous callers can help identify arsonists, who caused 11,453 fires in the brigade area last year, will also be distributed to fire stations, police stations and public buildings.