HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc549-50
15. Sir J. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cars are stolen daily in London; and how many such cars are used for criminal purposes.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Major Gwilym Lloyd-George)

An average of about thirteen private cars a day are stolen or taken and driven away without the owners' consent in the Metropolitan police district. The proportion used for criminal purposes is not known with certainty, but it is believed to be small.

16. Sir J. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan Police officers are engaged in tracking down stolen cars; and how many persons have been prosecuted in connection with theft of cars during the last twelve months.

Major Lloyd-George

All officers on patrol are responsible for keeping a watch for vehicles which have been reported as stolen, and a small group within the Flying Squad have special responsibilities. During the last year 1,569 persons were prosecuted by the Metropolitan Police for stealing or taking and driving away motor vehicles.

Sir J. Hutchison

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend's reply indicate that the unattended motor car is a great accessory and help in a high proportion of the crime which takes place in London at present?

Major Lloyd-George

I do not know about that, but it is certainly a great help in having it taken away.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Is not one of the difficulties of prosecuting in these cases the fact that most of these cars are not technically stolen, since those who take them do not intend permanently to deprive the owner of them but merely use them for a job and then abandon them?

17. Sir. J. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consult the Commissioner of Police on what steps can be taken to prevent cars being stolen and so aiding crime, or whether any new devices are practicable.

Major Lloyd-George

The Commissioner has been giving this matter close attention in collaboration with other chief officers of police. Car owners and drivers can help greatly by taking the obvious precautions, such as locking their vehicles before leaving them unattended.

Sir J. Hutchison

While I realise, of course, what is the main action which can be taken to prevent these crimes from taking place, would not my right hon. and gallant Friend think it worth while, for example, discussing with insurance companies whether the use of anti-theft devices might be rewarded by a reduction in the insurance premium; or might he not even consider making it an offence to leave a car unattended and unlocked?

Major Lloyd-George

I am not anxious to add to the list of offences. The difficulty is that a device which might work when an ordinary person was concerned might very easily be broken into by an expert. I am told that there are devices which can be fitted on steering wheels and gear-change levers which are much more effective, but that would have to be done in co-operation with the manufacturers.