§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about the levels of car crime; what were the figures for such crimes in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; what conclusions he has drawn from the most recent monthly figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackWe continue to receive many representations about car crime, which is rightly a matter of continuing concern to the public. The latest period for which recorded car crime statistics have been published is April–June 1992, and these figures are as follows, together with those for the three preceding quarters:
Theft from Theft of Total Car Crime 3rd Quarter 1991 220,536 141,324 361,860 4th Quarter 1991 235,411 145,333 380,744 1st Quarter 1992 240,399 147,840 388,239 2nd Quarter 1992 234,912 137,734 372,646 Total 931,258 572,231 1,503,489 The figures for April–June 1992 show a reduction in car crime of some 2 per cent. on the corresponding quarter of 1991. Looking at the change over a longer period, car crime rose by 7 per cent. in the 12 months to June 1992 compared with the previous 12 months, whereas in 12 months to June 1991 it had risen by 23 per cent. The figures therefore suggest that car crime is rising at a significantly lower rate than before.
The themes of Car Crime Prevention Year continue to play a significant part in encouraging action to combat car crime. The advisory committee which I have set up to further inform policy development in this area recently met for the second time. In addition, we are actively promoting schemes such as the secured car parks initiative.