448/99
Figures revealing which cars are most at risk of theft were published by the Home Office today.
The "Car Theft Index 1999" gives a detailed breakdown of which make, model and year of car was most likely to be stolen in 1998.
The Index shows:
- 391,271 cars were reported to have been stolen in England, Scotland and Wales during 1998 - an average of 1,072 cars per day. 398,741 cars were reported to have been stolen during 1996 - a daily average of 1,092;
- most at risk of theft overall were small saloons (such as the Ford Escort or Vauxhall Astra) with 18 thefts per 1,000 registered. This was closely followed by medium saloons (such as the Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Cavalier) with 16 thefts per 1,000 registered;
- the type of car least likely to be stolen was the people carrier (such as the Ford Galaxy or Renault Espace) with just 5 thefts per thousand registered;
- the car with the overall highest risk of theft was the Toyota Carina registered before 1984;
- cars registered in 1985 and 1986 had the highest rate of theft with 27 thefts per thousand;
- overall, there were 15 cars stolen per 1,000 registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; and
- the newer the car, the less likely it was to be stolen - cars registered in 1997 had a theft rate of just 4 per 1,000 registered.
Commenting on the figures Home Office Minister Charles Clarke said:
"This continuing reduction in car theft is encouraging and shows that car owners are becoming increasingly vigilant about car security.
"Information in this booklet will help car owners play their part in achieving the Government''s 30 per cent vehicle crime reduction target over five years - owners of more vulnerable vehicles can improve their security measures and consumers can take account of this information when deciding which car to buy.
"But no one must use the trend of falling car theft figures as a reason for complacency. Nearly 400,000 cars are still being stolen every year and everyone would be well advised to follow the crime prevention tips included in the Car Theft Index.
"The figures give a clear indication that owners of older cars must be particularly vigilant about their car security measures."
Tips from the Index on crime prevention include:
- secure the doors, windows, boot and sun roof every time you leave the car and take your keys with you at the petrol station when you go to pay;
- never leave your credit or other plastic cards in the car. If you have to leave briefcases and other items in the vehicle, put them out of sight, preferably before you start your journey. Consider, even an old coat or jacket on the back seat may be a target for a thief hoping to find a wallet in the pockets.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
1. Caution should be used when comparing the 1999 Index with the 1997 Index as a slightly different methodology was used to calculate risk factors. This could explain why the risk of theft for new cars is slightly greater in the 1999 Index than the risk of theft for new cars in the 1997 Index.
2. Media copies of the "Car Theft Index 1999" are available from the Home Office on 0171 273 4600, other copies will be available in the New Year from Police Force Crime Prevention Officers.
