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Thefts of External Vehicle Parts: An Emerging Problem

NCJ Number
185799
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: 2000 Pages: 17-22
Author(s)
Joanna Sallybanks; Nerys Thomas
Date Published
2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article considers the emerging problem of thefts of external vehicle parts.
Abstract
This article uses the British Crime Survey (BCS) to explore the incidence of thefts of external parts from vehicles. The 1998 BCS estimated that of 2.5 million incidents of vehicle crime (thefts of and from), 85 percent were thefts from vehicles; the items most frequently stolen were external parts. That survey showed crimes of this kind had doubled over the preceding 4 years. However, such thefts are the least likely to be reported to the police, and are thus grossly under-recorded in statistics of recorded crime. The paper seeks to alert police and manufacturers to the potential contribution of these incidents to total vehicle crime. Further research into this phenomenon is required to establish more precisely the extent and nature of thefts of external parts. However, there is potential for manufacturers to work with the police and other partners, through parts identification and design, to curtail the escalation of a dramatic recent trend into a major problem. Being aware of this escalation, both actual and potential, should contribute to a significant reduction in levels of thefts from vehicles. Figures, table, notes