Security issue: Vehicle theft

Vehicle with broken window from forced entry

Vehicle theft is the crime of theft, or attempt of theft of or from a motor vehicle (automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, etc.).

Description

This category includes both theft of and from vehicles in the same category, because the measures against it would be very alike from the viewpoint of an urban planner.

This category does not include: carjacking/joyriding, theft with access to keys, fraudulent theft, or opportunistic theft

Contributing circumstances

• location (attainability of theft)
• Deserted car parking lots, quiet junctions and residential areas are often targets. In addition, vehicles stuck in traffic are often targets for a 'smash and grab' incident where an item of value is clearly visible (e.g. handbag, purse, stereo, etc.)/

Risk of Car Theft by Parking Location in England and Wales (1982-1994)

Location	Thefts per 100,000 cars per 24 hours
Home garage	2
Home carport/drive	40
Home street	117

• attractiveness of vehicles or items in vehicles
• proximity to known area with car theft

Measures

• surveillance
• reaction force
• target hardening
• access control (parkings)
• deflecting offenders
• Education (don't leave valuables in car)