NCJ Number
120750
Date Published
1988
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The Working Group on Car Crime, after studying the nature and extent of opportunist car crime in the United Kingdom, recommends programs to divert young people from car crime and ways in which car manufacturers can make a greater contribution to reducing the car crime rate.
Abstract
The group recommends a study of crime prevention measures used in other countries, as well as research into the correlation between car theft and road accidents in the U.K. In terms of crime prevention, police forces need to use the resources of the Home Office Crime Prevention Center to coordinate their activities and disseminate information. The Police National Computer should be used to collect and retain data relating to car crime. Families, schools, the police, and the community at large need to be involved in the effort to divert young people from car crime by developing social awareness programs, award schemes, videos, and motor projects to provide access to driving and education in safe driving. Motor projects and research on recidivism were suggested for repeat offenders. Car manufacturers should be encouraged to incorporate security features in standard production cars and ensure that their advertising campaigns portray responsible driving and promote security features; Car surveys and road tests should be used to stimulate consumer demand for security features.