News story: Policing Minister chairs new taskforce to tackle vehicle theft

The Policing Minister, Nick Hurd, has today (15 January) chaired a new taskforce to tackle vehicle theft.

The taskforce replicates the successful model used to reduce moped-related crime in London, which fell by a third in the period from January to October 2018 compared with the same period in 2017 last year. It will drive forward action to reduce and prevent vehicle crime and promote best practice.

The taskforce will meet every six months and publish an action plan with new measures. Vehicle theft has risen by 7% in the last 12 months and has impacted communities across the country.

Chairing the meeting, Policing Minister Nick Hurd said:

We are determined to take swift and decisive action on emerging crime threats. With rates of vehicle theft increasing, I am keen to ensure everything is being done to prevent these crimes.

Drawing together the police, industry and government proved to be a successful way to see what more could be done to support police efforts to tackle moped crime and I’m eager to see the results of applying a similar model to vehicle theft.

The determination and common purpose at this morning’s meeting was encouraging and I’m confident the taskforce will significantly strengthen our response to vehicle theft.

The taskforce’s work includes:

• improving vehicle security standards across the industry
• ensuring robust measures are in place to prevent criminals exploiting the motor salvage process
• reviewing whether further measures are required to stop devices that may be used to commit vehicle theft falling into criminals’ hands

Attendees for today’s event included representatives from:

• National Police Chiefs’ Council Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited
• Thatcham Research
• Retail Motor Industry
• Motorcycle Retail Industry Association
• Association of British Insurers
• Combined Industries Theft Solution
• Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
• West Midlands PCC
• West Midlands Police