HC Deb 19 November 1992 vol 214 cc347-8W
16. Ms. Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce car crime in the north-west.

Mr. Jack

As part of Car Crime Prevention Year we have sought to engage the whole community in a concerted effort to tackle car crime. Among the practical measures being taken in the north-west by Greater Manchester police are the promotion of vehicle watch schemes, the distribution of information packs on car security and the setting up of a special police unit to tackle car crime.

Police forces throughout the north-west have made a positive contribution to Car Crime Prevention Year and in the 12 months of the year ending June 1992 both Greater Manchester and Merseyside forces reported a fall in the level of car crimes.

Our safer cities projects in Rochdale and Salford have also taken action to educate the public in car security and have organised and funded projects aimed at diverting young people from car crime.

25. Sir John Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response there has been from British car manufacturers to the Car Crime Prevention Year.

Mr. Jack

Many car manufacturers have responded very positively to the message of Car Crime Prevention Year by contributing or promising support estimated to be worth more than £3 million.

In addition, many more new cars are now being fitted with security systems as standard equipment and security features are being given a much higher profile in the manufacturers' advertisements.

24. Mr. Enright

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review current legislation available to deal with those who steal cars and subsequently kill and maim.

Mr. Jack

The relevant law is constantly reviewed; and action to strengthen it has been taken recently. The Aggravated Vehicle-Taking Act 1992 has significantly increased the powers of the courts to deal with both drivers and passengers in a stolen car which causes damage, injury and death. In addition, we have recently announced an intention to double the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from five to 10 years imprisonment.

21. Mr. Wolfson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he can report arising from Car Crime Prevention Year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jack

So far, Car Crime Prevention Year has been a highly successful campaign and I am pleased to say that the quarterly car crime figures for April to June 1992 show a reduction of over 2.5 per cent. on the corresponding quarter of 1991. While we cannot draw too many conclusions from this change, I hope that it is the start of a welcome trend.

22. Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to receive advice from outside his Department about the future of the car crime prevention initiative.

Mr. Jack

I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that I have recently formed a committee comprising people who are actively involved in all areas of car security and car crime prevention to advise me on these matters and we met for the first time on 20 October.

This committee brings together senior representatives from the motor manufacturers, the security equipment industry, motoring and consumer associations, the retail and leasing sectors, the insurance industry and the police.