Highest rate of stolen cars in U.K.

Press, 9 May 1985, Page 15

Highest rate of stolen cars in U.K.

By

MERILYN CHAMBERS

NZPA staff correspondent London

Britain has the worst record for stolen cars in Europe, according to a report by the Paris-based motoring organisation, Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (F.1.A.). Twice as many cars were stolen in Britain than in France, and six times as many as in West Germany.

The F.I.A. said that of every 10,000 cars registered in Britain 22 were stolen last year compared with 13 in France, 12 in Sweden, 11 in Spain, six in Italy, four in Belgium, and 3.5 in West Germany. The figure for the

United States was nine. Scotland Yard’s stolen car squad has described the situation as very serious and the Home Office has set up a study group to investigate the epidemic and try to identify the cause. “The Times” newspaper reported that Britain was rapidly becoming one of the world’s most prolific sources of stolen luxury cars.

More than 500 had disappeared already this year, making a total of 6000 in the last four years. They include Rolls-Royces, Mercedes, Jaguars, B.M.W.s and Range Rovers, often equipped with expensive extras.