Defeating joyriders

Press, 3 February 1981, Page 1

Defeating joyriders

The Christchurch police have apprehended 15 young people, aged between 13 and 17, for various car-related offences in recent weeks. The main targets are Ford cars, especially Mk II Cortinas and Zephyrs. But no cans are safe, even late model Triumphs have been stolen.

“They take them for joyrides and many are found damaged when they are recovered,” said a police spokesman. “Sometimes there may be a group of four or five

youngsters and they take a car each so they can have drag races.” In an average month about 175 cars are reported stolen to the Christchurch police. "About 90 per cent of these would be recovered — mostly through public •co-operation," said the spokesman. The police say that they have problems with youngsters who are habitual offenders. Some youngsters might be apprehended after committing four or five offences, but they re-offend until they appear in court. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the worst nights • and . all areas in Christchurch are at risk.' The police seriously advise owners of high-risk cars, such as Mk II Cortinas, to remove the distributor rotors, from their vehicle if it is going to be left for a while. From January 19 /to

February 2. 70 cars had ’ been reported stolen- to the police. * 2 Trailers and motorcycles are also disappearing at an alarming rate. Thirty-two motorcycles and six trailers were reported stolen in December. The recovery rate of motor-cycles is lower than that for cars. Many are stripped down and sold for parts immediately after being stolen. Motor-cycle owners, especially those with trail bikes, should make sure their machines were, parked in • a secui 1 place, the police said. ? ;H. The return to school of many. youngsters this week did not mean, the car theft problem would diminish, the police said. Owners were still advised to remove car keys and ensure that their vehicles were locked, even if they wiere parked in the back iyard.;.