Vehicle security – back to square one?

It seems ironic that after more than a decade of successful security improvements by car and motorcycle manufacturers, the police are now advising owners to supplement this advanced modern technology with basic crime prevention products such as the Krooklock, locks and chains.

Clearly anything electronic or otherwise that has been designed & built to secure and protect the modern car & motorcycle has to be capable of being serviced, repaired and indeed overcome. The problem is that devices can be purchased nowadays by anyone, including organised crime gangs, enabling them to defeat even the most sophisticated vehicle security – so what is happening?

Answers may be found at the National Vehicle Crime Conference, being held at the Henry Ford College, Loughborough University on the 24th and 25th September, where the top police, vehicle industry and insurance experts will reveal what they intend to do about security. The theme is ‘Disabling The Vehicle-Enabled Criminal’.

It is recognised that ‘traditional’ vehicle crime, such as theft of or from vehicles is no longer regarded as a policing priority by most forces; indeed, theft of and from vehicles has fallen over the past 10 years. However, the use of vehicles in acquisitive crimes, such as burglary, supporting serious and organised crime, and potential links to terrorist offences cannot be overlooked. This is where the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service’s (AVCIS) staff, who are experts in vehicle-enabled crime, become involved.

The United Kingdom branch of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) is a strategic player in the vehicle crime arena, partnering with trusted organisations who are service providers in intelligence, enforcement, prevention and disruption activities.