Vehicle Crime
The Government's Position
The Government takes vehicle crime very seriously. That is why the Prime Minister has set a national target of reducing vehicle crime by 30% over five years. In practice this means that by March 2004 there should be 323,000 fewer car crimes a year than there were in April 1999.
The Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team (VCRAT) was established by the Home Secretary in September 1998 under the Chairmanship of Mike Wear, from the Ford Motor Company and including representatives from the motor and insurance industries, organisations like the AA, the police and the DVLA. The task given to the VCRAT was to develop and implement a strategy to meet the Government’s 30% vehicle crime reduction target for the period 1999 to 2004.
Members of VCRAT concluded that the target was achievable – but only if all those who have a contribution to make play their part. That includes motor manufacturers and retailers, insurers, the vehicle salvage industry, local authorities, police, local crime partnerships, car park operators – and all of us as motorists.
In September 1999 the VCRAT published their five year strategy “Tackling Vehicle Crime” which sets out its agenda for delivering the Prime Minister’s target.
Further information about the Government’s strategy on vehicle crime is contained in “The Government’s Crime Reduction Strategy” (November 1999).
Last update: 17 September 2003