A review of car crime in England and Wales

With 21 per cent of offences recorded by the police in the 12 months ending March 1999, and representing 1,077,700 thefts of and from vehicles, motor vehicle crime is the single most common offence in England and Wales. Young males under 21 years have been found to be responsible for three-quarters of car thefts. Studies in the United Kingdom suggest the characteristics of these offenders include those associated with socio-economic deprivation and poor self-esteem; whilst for many, involvement in car crime is a means of seeking excitement. The requirement to identify the needs of car offenders, and the establishment of intent and purpose within offending behaviour programmes, saw an increase in the number of probation-based motor projects from 1990. Access to the car, and opportunities to drive in controlled environments were present in some of the newer projects, although many had abandoned this principle. Whilst little empirical evidence exists to support their claims, a number of projects have boasted success in their efforts to reduce the risks of further car crime amongst offenders who have completed programmes at motor projects as part of their sentences. Eight motor projects that challenge offending behaviour are reviewed and the latest Home Office evaluation discussed.