The British Crime Survey 2008-09 shows that vehicle crime has reduced by 57 per cent. since 1997. This success was achieved by Government and police working with partners in the public and private sectors to reduce crime, and to make cars harder to steal. It is now almost impossible to steal a car without using the keys. Some criminals now target the car keys, and the most prevalent method for doing so is by burgling homes to steal car keys, known as car key burglary.
We have invested £15 million this year in preventing and tackling burglary, including physically securing homes with effective locks and providing the right advice to those most at risk of burglary. Our current publicity campaign “Don't Advertise Your Stuff To Thieves” specifically addresses this crime through its television advert. Renewed advice on preventing burglary, including car key burglary, is also available on the Home Office website. We are currently working with the police and the Home Office Design and Technology Alliance to develop further responses to the issue of car key burglary.
We have updated our advice to people on how to protect their homes and cars. The Home Office website provides advice to householders on protecting themselves from burglary, including advice on keeping car keys out of sight of doors and windows, closing and locking doors and windows, and advising on appropriate security standards to take account of when replacing windows or doors. It includes “Steer Clear of Car Crime”, an updated publication which provides advice for people on protecting their car and its contents from theft, including specific advice on keeping car keys safe from thieves.
The Home Office also funds the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS). Its aims include reducing thefts of vehicles and increasing recovery of stolen vehicles. It works closely with partners across police forces, the wider public sector and the private sector to tackle vehicle crime in all its forms, including car key burglary. AVCIS has participated in a number of successful joint police operations targeted at reducing vehicle crime, including car key burglary.