Home Office Good Practice Seminars
Young People & Crime Seminar
Workshop 2
The IMPACT Roadshow: Tackling Vehicle Crime
Rob Machin, Avon & Somerset Police
Key points from the presentation
The IMPACT Roadshow was first developed in 1995 and ran from then until 1999. It was developed to tackle Avon & Somerset's extremely high level of vehicle crime.
Although no independent evaluation of the project's outcomes took place, crime figures indicated that the programme had contributed to a 30% reduction in vehicle crime (37% reduction in vehicle crime perpetrated by under 16s).
The current IMPACT Roadshow was launched 6 months ago (September 2003) after wide consultation on its content. This included input from young people who perpetrated vehicle crime on their motivation; and, from the parents of car crash victims.
The IMPACT Roadshow is usually delivered by a police officer, supported by at least one other adult familiar to the young people e.g. teacher or youth worker. The training pack is self-contained with all the necessary background and materials. Facilitators attend a one-day training course prior to delivery.
It is primarily targeted at young people in Year 10 at school – 14/15 years old and designed to deliver in a variety of settings where young people go, including schools and youth clubs.
The aims and objectives of the programme address the attitudes and motivation of young people as regards vehicle crime and use. It looks at the impact of vehicle crime and dangerous use on individuals, communities and the environment. The content is derived from real life incidents and people, which have more impact on the young people, but can be harrowing.
The Roadshow has been rolled out to schools and youth facilities across Avon & Somerset. It has also been targeted at groups of young people considered to be at risk, or where a problem has been identified e.g. where groups of young offenders are identified as living in the same community/attending the same school.
Initial feedback on the programme is very positive and, whilst formal evaluation is still to take place, figures indicate that it has contributed to a reduction deaths of young people on the roads, and in vehicle crime in general.
The project does not stand alone – alongside it runs a vehicle clearance scheme operated by the police and fire service; and, the junior and senior "Wheels Project" – a certificated mechanics course recognised by local employers.
Key points from the discussion
A very practical discussion on the opportunities of IMPACT Roadshow, and on similar initiatives followed.
Kensington and Chelsea identified a problem with moped theft. They have responded with a project teaching young people to ride and maintain mopeds. The local Youth Offending Team then pays for the young person to do their CBT exam when old enough.
Hampshire has a similar "Two Wheels" project offering a motorbike mechanics course. They have also use glasses imported from the United States, which give the wearer the sensation of being drunk.
In order to clear abandoned and unused/dangerous vehicles from the area, Swansea have held amnesties where people report vehicles and they are removed free of charge. Some of the vehicles removed have been "pool" cars used by local criminals from the area.
Many areas operate a clean-sweep programme of clearing neighbourhoods of all rubbish, graffiti and abandoned vehicles on a regular basis.
Delegates felt that there was clearly a role for many agencies, not just the police, in tackling vehicle crime and safety with young people. The IMPACT Roadshow and other initiatives discussed highlighted the positive multi-agency responses that are taking place.
However, delegates felt that current legislation and lack of funding can frustrate further action e.g. on the removal of abandoned vehicles.
Links
Avon & Somerset Police – IMPACT Roadshow website
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