HC Deb 21 January 1992 vol 202 cc140-1W
Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to educate young people aged 14 years or less in the dangers of car theft and joy riding.

Mr. John Patten

A number of useful steps in this area have already been taken. Last April, I launched the Association of British Insurers' excellent video, "Think Again", which illustrates the dangers of so-called joy riding. This has now been widely distributed to schools and youth clubs.

We have also announced that 1992 is to be Car Crime Prevention Year. This should provide the opportunity for many other initiatives aimed at informing young people of the dangers of car theft and discouraging them from taking cars.

And, although they are not aimed primarily at young people aged 14 or less, there is in existence across the country an extensive range of local motor projects for young people. These include the police, probation services and voluntary agencies and aim to educate the participants on the dangers of car theft and to instil in them a responsible and law abiding attitude to the use of motor vehicles.

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