Data compiled by claims company Legal Expert found that York was the county's hotspot for arson attacks, with nearly 50 offences recorded each year since 2022 - a total of 142 arsons.
Legal Expert said that North Yorkshire Police estimated that 422 of the 524 attacks recorded across the county caused some degree of harm to an individual.
They added that only 56 suspects had their age and gender recorded by police, of which 30 - or 54 per cent - were in the 11 to 17 year-old age bracket.
This places North Yorkshire’s proportion of youth offenders among the highest in the UK, with only two other counties recording underage arsonists more regularly.
North Yorkshire Police said the consequences of an arson attack are "potentially deadly".
A police spokesperson added: "Not only does it put law-abiding members of the public and their property at extreme risk of death, serious injury, and financial loss, it also puts the offender at risk of death or serious injury.
"It endangers whole communities and can affect the local economy."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 'This is an epidemic' - call for action on violence against York women and girls
- Arson attack that caused 'tragic loss' still being investigated by police
- Mayor announces crackdown on crime in plan for York and North Yorkshire
YOU’LL FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHERS AT www.yorkpress.co.uk OR PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER ITSELF AVAILABLE SIX DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT
Appeal following a shed break-in North Duffield, Selby
Artworks telling the story of York’s medieval history could be installed in the city’s snickelways as part of wider efforts to revive them.
