Every now and then, neighborhoods, villages or cities are startled by a car pyromaniac. One car after another goes up in flames. But why does someone keep burning cars. What drives a car pyromaniac? And if a car pyromaniac is caught, what is his punishment?
Cars burn very quickly and that is why a car pyromaniac finds them interesting
It remains to be seen whether car enthusiasts are really fascinated by cars. It’s probably more likely that cars burn quickly. Moreover, the chance of being caught if a car is set on fire is small. The pyromaniac lights the car and is then able to quickly drive away, while the car burns out. In addition, there are almost never any injuries because car pyrotechnics seek out cars that are empty. But the attention afterwards is there, because there is usually a photo in the newspaper the next day of the pyromaniac act. And that’s what a pyromaniac is about: they want attention.
Often setting car fires is a way to express anger
Car pyromaniacs are often angry. That could be anger about anything: a greater general anger at the world, but also the fact that he has been left behind by a woman. Arsonists carry with them an unfocused anger against the entire world that treats them unfairly. By setting fires and destroying personal property without being caught, the pyromaniac thinks he has outsmarted everyone and is superior.
Is setting a car fire by a pyromaniac personal?
Often the anger that a pyromaniac feels is not directed at a specific person. If a car is set on fire, it is involuntary and simply a car that is available. The car pyromaniac usually doesn’t care which owner belongs to it.
An autopyromaniac continues
A car pyromaniac almost never sets fire to just a single car. It is often a whole series and stops because the person in question is arrested or because they start seeking help for the fact that they keep wanting to start a fire. A car pyromaniac also often sets fire to other things, such as containers and other items. Committing the act gives the autopyromaniac a sense of power. This is partly because only the car pyromaniac himself knows that he has committed the offense. Arsonists are often lonely people with a sense of inferiority. They often only turn the cars on when they have had some drink or other substances. They always feel aggrieved and angry and that is how they act.
Therapy can help stop a pyromaniac
A pyromaniac or autopyromaniac who wants to quit himself or who is forced to quit because he is caught can be helped with therapy. Arsonists can learn to deal with their own feelings differently by learning to express negative feelings they have. They also have to learn that they are not worth less than the rest and they have to work on their self-confidence. Moreover, they learn through therapy to get their lives back on track. However, they often repeat themselves when life goes wrong again. The risk of recidivism (chance of recurrence) is very high for pyromaniacs and autopyromaniacs.
Is a car pyromaniac or pyromaniac ashamed of the fact that he sets everything on fire and sometimes endangers people?
Pyromaniacs and autopyromaniacs often have some antisocial traits, which means that they do not always regret their actions. Their conscience is also often much weaker than that of other people.
What punishments do car pyromaniacs receive for setting cars on fire?
The penalties for setting a fire are obvious. Under Article 157 of the Criminal Code, someone who deliberately sets fire can receive a maximum of life in prison or a fine of 76,000 euros. The penalty is highest if the fire is dangerous to goods or people. Pyromaniacs are also sentenced to TBS if they suffer from a mental disorder. In practice, however, it appears that most pyromaniacs are almost never given such a high sentence. However, they often have to undergo light treatment in a clinic to get rid of their strange impulse.
How many cars are set on fire each year by car pyromaniacs?
Dozens of cars are set on fire by pyrotechnics every year. All shapes, sizes, types and years become victims, because the pyromaniac is not concerned with a specific type of car. The pyromaniac is very unpredictable in that regard.
If your car is set on fire by a pyromaniac, will you receive compensation from your insurance company?
It depends on the policy conditions whether someone will be reimbursed for the current value or new value of their car in the event of arson. Moreover, not everyone is insured against fire damage. About 80 percent of the 7.5 million cars in the Netherlands are insured against fire damage.
Places where a pyromaniac started fires
- Twenty cars were set on fire in Almelo in 2010. There were also fires in waste containers and trash cans.
- In the first half of 2010, almost thirty cars, motorcycles and caravans went up in fire.
- Eight different cars have been set on fire in Drachten, Friesland, since August 2010.
- In the Frisian town of Lemmer, no fewer than 43 fires were started in the summer of 2010. Containers were mainly targeted, but other objects were also targeted. A garage and a car were also set on fire.
- No fewer than 17 cars were set on fire in Lisserbroek in 2010. Almost all fires were started in the night from Friday to Saturday.
- At least 12 cars were set on fire in Vught in 2010.
- At least 30 cars were set on fire in Weert since 2010.