The value of scrap metal has fallen sharply

Firefighters, the police and local authorities are attending a seminar in Devon on Friday to debate how they can co-ordinate their efforts to tackle the problem.

Devon and Cornwall Police says the number of vehicles which are illegally dumped and deliberately set alight is steadily increasing.

It claims it can cost the taxpayer up to �1,000 for the emergency services and local authorities to remove and dispose of just one burnt-out car.

Common approach

The seminar in Exeter is looking at how the issue is tackled elsewhere and will decide on a common approach to be used throughout Devon and Cornwall.

Among the proposals is the crime database, which would allow all of the agencies involved in tackling vehicle abandonment to access information from across the two counties.

It is hoped the database will help enforcement agencies to work together more efficiently.

Councils say they try to trace those responsible for dumping cars, but often details of who owns a dumped car are not up to date.

The value of scrap metal has fallen sharply and people are now charged for disposing of cars, so owners dump them to avoid paying.