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Motorists stay unconvinced car crime is falling

24/08/2004

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?

Yes	42.9%
No	57.1%

	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%