§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if his Department encourages the fitting of window security reinforcement systems as part of the campaign to reduce vehicle crime; and if he will make a statement;[141517]
(2) what plans he has to achieve a reduction in vehicle crimes in which vehicle windows are broken to secure entry.[141518]
§ Ms BlearsThe Home Office New Car Security Guidance published in 1998 encouraged car manufacturers to fit glazing that would resist attack by methods commonly used by criminals for a minimum of 30 seconds. This standard applies whether conventional laminated glazing or security film is fitted. Officials are considering the merits of using the recently issued German test standard to measure whether products meet this Home Office requirement. In addition, any glazing (laminated or when fitted with security film) has to meet the appropriate standards set out in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, Directive 92/22/EEC and UN/ECE Regulation 43 to ensure safety and durability. We will encourage the fitting of any laminated glazing or security film that meets statutory requirements and makes a significant contribution to vehicle crime reduction.
We aim to raise motorists' awareness of the benefits of laminated glazing through Home Office publicity material, particularly the booklet "Steer Clear of Car Crime" and our website www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk. We also provide links from our Department for Transport websites to the insurance industry website (www.ncsr.co.uk) which provides motorists with information about their assessment of each car's ability to resist criminal attempts to gain entry.