Thursday 27th January 2005

Car crime falls say government figures

Thanks to the motor industry, says the motor industry

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Home Office figures released this week show vehicle crime fell 17 per cent in the third quarter of 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. In addition, figures from the British Crime Survey 2003/04 show thefts of vehicles have dropped the most, down 13 per cent. Theft from vehicles is down six per cent compared to the previous 12 months. The survey also showed that vehicle theft has fallen 40 per cent since 1997.

Electronic immobilisers, fitted to all vehicles as standard since 1998, are the biggest factor in the reduction in car crime, according to the Home Office. Deadlocks, alarms and shielded locks also make newer vehicles more difficult to steal; with 87 per cent of vehicle thefts being of cars over three years old.

Motor industry spokesman chief executive Christopher Macgowan said, 'These figures are a positive reflection of the work vehicle manufacturers have done to make cars more secure. Nevertheless, car crime is still a problem and we all have a responsibility to drive out criminal activity. Car owners can help by ensuring they do not leave valuables on show in their vehicles.'

With vehicles more difficult to break into, the main issues are the environment in which a vehicle is kept and objects left in them. A residential street is still the most likely place for car crime to take place, while personal goods are more likely to be stolen than radios and sound systems.

Of course, what this self-serving statement, issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), doesn't mention is that burglaries from homes to steal car keys are probably on the increase...

[britten_mark]

I know someone who had his keys pinched from the kitchen and car driven away while he was in the house. Scary stuff.

And whilst it is noticeable that car theft has gone down (I like the way the "Government" release the figures like the "Government" have anything to do with it)I have never had as much malicious damage done to my vehicles than lately.

[Sgt^Roc]

YEAH RIGHT

[turbo tim]

britten_mark said:

I have never had as much malicious damage done to my vehicles than lately.

britten_mark - I'm in the same boat as you!!



My cars been keyed, had the ariel snapped off and most recently has had it's convertible roof slashed. None of which I have reported/claimed on the insurance for as I have built up a nice no-claims (which I need in insure the car in the first place).



I wonder how many situations like mine there are out there that goes un-recorderd............

[B 7 VP]

So nobody yet spotted the deliberate omission?? Yes--of course the biggest thieves ARE the Govt and Scamera partnerships, followerd by the Local Council extraction schemes.Legal robbery is allowed, and accepted by the voting Drivers.If the Govt thieves had any concern, they would ensure min 5 Year sentences for car theft.

[RobDickinson]

I had my house broken into at 2am, and threatened with knives etc for my car keys, 21st December.

I'd rather they stole it off the drive. car security.