NCJ Number
130753
Journal
Lay Panel Magazine Volume: 25 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 15-17
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines the problem of joyriding (stealing a car for kicks instead of profit) in Northern Ireland and why the problem has been concentrated in west Belfast.
Abstract
Of 6,011 cars stolen or hijacked in Northern Ireland last year, 2,683 of them were found in west Belfast. The vast majority of them were used for joyriding. Over the past 10 years, 10 joyriders have died in confrontations with security forces. Cars for joyriding are typically stolen outside of west Belfast, a poor area of the city, and then driven to west Belfast. Up until the mid-1970's, west Belfast experienced very little joyriding. Only since then has the problem escalated to a significant level. Factors in this change are probably related to the unemployment problem that arose during this time. Also, during this time, the Royal Urban Constabulary (RUC) and the military assumed control of west Belfast from local militias. The RUC has been less concerned with routine crime than with security against political violence. Many of the youth now engaging in joyriding grew up during a time when vehicles were stolen and burned as barricades. With the lessening of political conflict in the mid-1970's, joyriding may have emerged as a continuing form of rebellious behavior involving automobiles. Joyriding can probably be countered by providing more opportunities for constructive activities for youth in the community.