NCJ Number
181126
Editor(s)
Barry Webb
Date Published
1999
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report overviews recent trends in vehicle crime in England and Wales and highlights issues regarding vehicle crime reduction.
Abstract
In 1997, over 1.1 million vehicle crime offenses were reported to the police in England and Wales and estimates from victimization surveys suggested the true figure may have been closer to 2.5 million offenses. About 25 percent of all recorded crimes were vehicle related, and the overall rate was estimated to be 22 vehicle crime offenses per 1,000 licensed vehicles. In 1997, over 400,000 vehicles were reported stolen, and 38 models accounted for 19 percent of stolen vehicles. Car security, however, improved significantly on new models, and a large proportion of cars had some form of additional security beyond the steering column lock. Those with the highest risk of being a victim of car theft included young people between 16 and 24 years of age, those on low incomes, unemployed persons, and single parents. Recommendations on how to reduce vehicle crime are offered that focus specifically on vehicles, locations, victim groups, and offender groups. Data on the proportion of households victimized by vehicle-related theft are appended. 39 references, 3 tables, and 15 figures