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Two thirds of motorists are worried they will be a victim of car crime,
while only 11% think that car crime is falling, despite police reassurance
that it is. These are the main findings of a survey by Admiral.
According to Admiral's study, 43% of motorists have been a victim of
car crime at some time, with that figure highest in London at 58% and
lowest in Scotland at 35%. However there is some good news for the police
as the number of people worrying about car crime has fallen by 11% from
80% in 2003 to 69% this year.
Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, said: "The police have really
got their work cut out convincing motorists that they are tackling car
crime. There are 18 million motorists in the country, and our research
suggests 12 million are worried their car will be stolen or broken into."
Admiral surveyed over 1,000 motorists about their experience of car crime,
as part of its Annual Drivers' Survey. Its other key findings show:
- Motorists in London and Yorkshire are the most likely to be a victim
of car crime
- Motorists in Scotland and the South West are the least likely to be
a victim of car crime
- More than half of all motorists think that car crime will increase
next year
- Four fifths of motorists think current laws are too soft on car thieves
and most think car thieves should be imprisoned
Police statistics suggest the rate of car crime is falling, but still
over 1 million cars are stolen or broken into every year.
Jane Stone, continued: "Car crime reached epidemic proportions about
ten years ago. Since then an increase in car security has lead to a fall
in the number of cars being stolen. However the number of smash and grab
thefts is as high as ever.
"In the past, car crime wasn't perhaps a priority for the police,
but they realise that car crime funds bigger crime such as drug dealing
and many car thieves go on to commit worse offences."
Admiral's survey suggests that most motorists want harsher punishment
for anyone who commits car crime. 80% said the current law wasn't tough
enough and 71% said car thieves should be imprisoned for their crime.
A complete breakdown of Admiral's results follows:
1. Have you ever had your car stolen or broken into?
| |
East Anglia |
East Midlands |
London |
Northern Ireland |
North West |
North East |
| Yes |
45.9% |
43.1% |
57.6% |
35.5% |
48.3% |
37.0% |
| No |
54.1% |
56.9% |
42.4% |
64.5% |
51.7% |
63.0% |
| |
Scotland |
South East |
South West |
Wales |
West Midlands |
Yorkshire |
| Yes |
34.5% |
40.3% |
35.2% |
35.7% |
42.9% |
57.1% |
| No |
65.5% |
59.7% |
64.8% |
64.3% |
57.1% |
42.9% |
2. Do you think incidents of car crime will increase next year?
| Yes |
53.4% |
| No |
10.9% |
| Don't know |
35.7% |
3. Do you think current laws are tough enough on those who commit car crime?
| Yes |
5.6% |
| No |
80.4% |
| Don't know |
14.0% |
4. Do you ever worry about being a victim of car crime?
| Yes |
69.3% |
| Not that I know of |
30.7% |
5. What do you think is the fairest punishment for those who commit car
crime?
| Community Service |
7.9% |
| A fine less than £500 |
1.6% |
| A fine or more than £500 |
19.1% |
| Prison for less than 6 months |
35.9% |
| Prison for more than 6 months |
35.5% |
Issue date: 24-08-04
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