The number of fires started deliberately in Glasgow has fallen by more than one- quarter over the past six years.

There were 558 cases of wilful fire-raising recorded in the city in 2011-12, down from 769 in 2006-2007 and 634 in 2010-11.

The police statistics underline a general trend of falling crime against property.

But they also represent a huge boost for firefighters, who risk their lives putting out blazes that have been started deliberately.

However, there is still an average of 10 deliberately started fires a week in Glasgow. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has focused on reducing offending in recent years with major campaigns to wean potential young firebugs away from flames.

Fire-raising figures have now fallen as quickly as those for vandalism, which are 40% lower than in 2006.

Superintendent Graham Clarke, from Strathclyde Police's Safer Communities team, said: "We are encouraged by the reduction in the number of fires being started deliberately. However, we are not complacent, and will continue to work to drive down further those figures."