Rural Crime
Vehicle Crime in Rural Areas
Vehicle crime in rural areas is likely to be little different in kind from that in towns and cities, though situational factors may affect both the number and type of thefts. Research evidence is however not currently available to support this thesis.
On the positive side, thefts may be more likely to be opportunist than professional (eg because of the greater distances to cover or the absence of public transport): vehicles can be more easily secured against the opportunist thief, and the likelihood of recovery is higher. There may also be more vehicles parked off the road or in garages and therefore less at risk (the 1998 BCS shows that only 1% of garaged cars were stolen compared with 36% of those parked on the street).
Against this, vehicle ownership is likely to be higher in rural areas, so that thefts of and from vehicles are likely to form a larger proportion of household crime. Thefts are also likely to be easier since thieves can operate in greater isolation. Thefts from cars might be more likely where walkers or climbers leave their cars unattended for lengthy periods.
Forestry and agricultural equipment is also subject to theft and in some parts of the countryside, in the summer particularly, thefts of and from boats can be an additional problem.
Nationally, the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team is developing strategies to reduce vehicle crime. Its Plant Theft Action Group is developing work to improve security for farm equipment by bringing it more up to the standard that already exists for cars, with for example immobilisers, marking of parts and Vehicle Identification Numbers.
A number of police forces also operate a Vehicle Watch Scheme. Car owners register their vehicle details with the police and agree to having it stopped if it is being driven outside specified hours or by someone who appears too young. The scheme is likely to be particularly effective in rural areas because of the lower level of traffic.
Police crime prevention officers provide advice and Home Office material such as special “parksafe” posters for rural car parks and advice on keeping caravans secure.
Speeding and traffic light infringements represent a different sort of vehicle crime. The Treasury has agreed that, subject to certain criteria, fine income from speed and traffic light cameras can be used to offset the costs of new camera activity. Pilot schemes are under way and will be rolled out nationally if successful. Primary legislation will be required for a national scheme. DETR are becoming concerned about the level of casualties from rural road crashes and one or two of the pilots will deal with speeding in rural areas.
Last update: 09/09/03