§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to reduce the number of car thefts in England and Wales, giving an indication of current figures.
§ Mr. HurdI have been asked to reply.
523WIn the first nine months of 1983 the number of offences of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle recorded by the police in England and Wales was 241,000, 7 per cent. fewer than in the corresponding period of 1982. The figures for the whole of 1983 will be published in a Home Office Statistical Bulletin next month.
The biggest contribution to reducing car thefts can be made by drivers taking care to lock their cars when leaving them unattended, as recommended in Home Office and police publicity. The Home Office standing committee on crime prevention is considering what further action can be taken.