Car Crime Uk - Going Up Not Down?

Analysis of the UK official crime figures reveals that there is good reason to doubt the Government claim that car crime is on the decrease.
By: Paul Leece, New Moon Media
 
Aug. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- ANALYSIS of official crime figures has led one industry expert to question the Government’s statistics.

Carl Brandrick, MD of Nice 1 Ltd, has been looking at the justpublished British Crime Survey figures, and comparing it to official Police Recorded Crime.

He’s discovered big disparities – with a huge relevance to to the owners of the 30million+ licensed vehicles on UK roads.

British Crime Survey figures, he says, show there were 10.6 million crimes last year. Police data, however, puts this figure at 4.7 million.

Why the huge difference? Simple: Police data shows recorded crime only.

‘When you consider that only 65 percent of house burglaries are reported (and, thus, recorded) – and just 45 percent of car crime is reported, you can see how concerned I am.’

Indeed, the difference, he suggests, runs contrary to headlines claiming crime is going down.

And there’s even more to it than just that, says the replacement vehicle insurance company boss.

A big car crime growth area is the theft of keys from houses. Which is reported by the Police as… house burglary…… and thus NOT included in car crime stats.

The former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith released the number of car key thefts in 2008. There were a hefty 18,600 of them.

‘When these numbers are factored into the car theft figures, it reverses the headline-grabbing -14 percent decrease in car theft, to -2 percent’ reveals Brandrick.

Looking at other factors too, it’s led him to state that ‘it is almost certain we are talking about a car crime increase, not a decrease.’

The findings come as Sir Trevor McDonald fronts a big six-part ITV1 series on car crime Series producers say the series highlights the 170,000 cars stolen in the UK each year – with Police forces in Manchester dealing with a ‘huge increase in criminals who break into houses to steal keys’.

Within all of this are several areas UK motorists should consider. After seeing the shows on TV, customers may well be asking how they can protect themselves from becoming a victim of car crime… best to be prepared!

Worryingly, though, Brandrick also points out that car key theft by robbery doubled in 2008 – from 2 percent to 4 percent. Could this be the start of a violent trend?

Nice 1! - Theft Protect fills a gap in auto insurance Brandrick said: “Demand for our Theft Protect product has exceeded our expectations and reflects the concerns of the UK motorist about the lack of facilities for victims of vehicle theft.

“Replacement vehicle services are now almost standard in the event of an accident where the other party is at fault. But where a car is stolen it can take the insurance company weeks to pay out while waiting to see if it can be found. That can leave the individual concerned without any means of getting to work, having to pay out for a hire car or use public transport.

“Theft Protect fills that gap.”

Theft Protect is an insurance policy covering both private and commercial vehicles, private hire vehicles and motorcycles. It is underwritten by DAS Legal Insurance Cover.

Directors of HSBC Insurance Brokers Ltd quickly spotted the potential for Theft Protect, and working with the team at Nice 1 Ltd, launched a HSBC branded version for their UK broker network.

Richard Harrison, regional managing director of HSBC Insurance Brokers commented: “We are pleased to offer Theft Protect though our network of over 2500 UK Insurance Brokers”

In the vast majority of cases, no courtesy car will be provided while a vehicle remains unrecovered – typically 10-14 days – or if it is written off. Theft Protect covers both eventualities.

It is provided through a network of Financial Services Agency regulated agents including motor dealers, insurance brokers and finance companies.

Mr Brandrick added: “With vehicle theft high on the agenda of consumer concern, it is not surprising that insurance providers and motor trade professionals are looking for ways to add value and increase customer protection.

“For the UK motorist, it is important to realize that car crime remains a threat in our communities.

Ask yourself the question ‘How would you cope if your vehicle was stolen?.”

Only a small percentage of insurance companies currently offer similar protection, leaving the vast majority of the UK’s 30 million motorists exposed should their vehicle be stolen.

Significant support from insurance and motor trade organisations, both locally and nationally have recognised the consumer benefits and now actively promote Theft Protect at point of sale to their customers.

Ends (755 words)

For further information, please contact Paul Leece, details below.

Prepared and circulated by Paul Leece, Director
New Moon Media, Bordesley Hall, The Holloway, Alvechurch, B48 7QA

Tel : 01527 66992 E Mail : paul.leece@newmoonfm.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
1. Nice 1 Limited provide insurance and motoring assistance solutions to the UK insurance and motor sectors.
The firm has particular expertise in analysing statistical crime and motor related information, advising the UK
motoring consumers and industry professionals on the geographic and profiled aspects of crime, with a
particular bias toward vehicle crime. The firm conducts in depth analysis of Home Office crime figures,
producing at-a-glance illustration based reports for easier interpretation of geographic and other trends of
crime. The firm’s web site is www.theftprotect.co.uk
2. Nice 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
3. Nice 1 Limited provide their crime analytics service free to consumers and business partners, via their internet
portals :
(1) http://carcrimeuk.blogspot.com UK Crime analytical reporting service
(2) http://theftprotect.blogspot.com UK Crime news and features for the consumer
(3) http://motorandfinance.blogspot.com Motor Trade Blog
(4) http://brokerinfocus.blogspot.com Insurance Sector Blog
(5) http://www.theftprotect.co.uk

# # #

Nice 1 Ltd provide solutions to the UK insurance and motor sector thatt benefit the UK motoring consumer. In particular, the company ptovides Theft Protect, a unique like for like replacement vehicle facility for up to 28 days, for victims of car theft.
End
Source:Paul Leece, New Moon Media
Email:***@newmoonfm.co.uk
Zip:B48 7QA
Tags:Car Theft, Car Crime, Crime Statistics, Vehicle Theft, Uk Car Crime, Car Crime Uk
Industry:Automotive, Financial
Location:West Midlands - Birmingham - England
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