Surge in car crime expected

Car crime and security are to be put back on the agenda by the Home Office and Police.

Around two years ago the Home Office shelved its vehicle crime team, but its now reforming as a surge in vehicle crime is expected as the economy falters.

Mike Briggs, security expert at research centre Thatcham, told What Car? that car crime will be put back into the Association of Chief Police Officers guidelines that all UK police forces follow.

However, until these moves are taken, there will continue to be no national strategy on combating car crime.

A leaked Home Office memo has revealed that the Government is bracing itself for an increase in crime as tough economic conditions continue. Insurers are also expecting a rise in car crime.

Car crime hit a peak in 1995 following the economic downturn of the early 1990s. Although recent crime figures compare favourably against this high, incident rates are actually only marginally better when compared with levels from 1981 when records began.