HC Deb 30 November 1998 vol 321 c531
10. Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon)

What measures he proposes to introduce to reduce car crime. [61099]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Paul Boateng)

The Government regard vehicle crime as a very serious matter; after all, it amounts to about 24 per cent. of all reported crime. On 29 September, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced a national target, aimed at delivering a 30 per cent. reduction in vehicle crime over the next five years. To achieve that, we have recently established a ministerial task force, the vehicle crime reduction action team.

Mr. Dismore

Does my hon. Friend welcome, as I do, the work of Barnet motor project, which is based in the Peel centre in my constituency? The project has been working with young offenders and those thought to be at risk of offending, channelling their enthusiasm for the motor vehicle into more constructive work—for example, by teaching them to drive and service vehicles off road. Does my hon. Friend agree that that is a constructive and useful way of tackling motor crime?

Mr. Boateng

It is certainly one of a range of activities in which young people can be engaged so as to get them to recognise the implications of motor vehicle crime, both for themselves and, more important, for the general public. It is a real mischief with which the Government are determined to get to grips. Our challenging but achievable target is an indication of our seriousness.

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