Centenial Celebration

Transaction Search Form: please type in any of the fields below.

Date: November 22, 2024 Fri

Time: 12:07 pm

Results for automobile theft

22 results found

Author: Brace, Charlotte

Title: The Relationship Between Crime and Road Safety

Summary: The aim of this project was to review the literature on the relationship between crime and road safety, to identify pertinent Victorian crime and road safety data, and discuss how such data can be utilised to examine the relationship between crime and road safety. Of specific interest was the relationship between criminal activity of individuals and the likelihood of these individuals being involved in a fatal or serious injury outcome road crash. The key findings of this research suggests that t here is a positive relationship between: general negative behaviour (e.g. involvement in antisocial behaviours) and risky driving behaviour; criminal behaviour and traffic offences (specifically violence, theft & burglary and recidivist/drink driving, driving whilst disqualified; risky traffic behaviour contributing to a crash and criminal history (particularly for violent crime, vandalism, property crime, and involvement in traffic crime), and; crash involvement, drink driving and general criminal history including theft, car theft, drug and alcohol related crimes, violence and property damage. This report documents a variety of approaches that have been adopted internationally to examine these relationships, and highlights that such work has not been undertaken in Victoria to date. Moreover, the limitations and barriers for linking crime and road safety data in Victoria are discussed and these predominantly concern privacy and ethics, matching of data, issues with data analysis and cost/resource factors. A number of recommendations are made to overcome these data limitations, and to explore more fully the relationship between crime and road safety in Victoria.

Details: Victoria, Australia: Monash University, Accident Research Centre, 2009. 60p.

Source: Internet Resource; Report No. 284

Year: 2009

Country: Australia

URL:

Shelf Number: 119337

Keywords:
Alcohol Related Crime
Automobile Theft
Crime (Victoria, Australia)
Drunk Driving
Motor Vehicle Theft
Recidivism
Traffic Offenses
Vandalism

Author: Weatherburn, Don

Title: Rates of Participation in Burglary and Motor Vehicle Theft: Estimates and Implications for Policy

Summary: This bulletin uses techniques developed in population biology to estimate the number of offenders actively involved in burglary and motor vehicle theft in NSW during the period 2006-2007, as well as the percentage of offenders apprehended and convicted. We estimate the participation rates in burglary and motor vehicle theft to have been approximately 32,000 (burglary) and 23,000 (motor vehicle theft). The overall detection and conviction rates amongst these groups of offenders were found to be much higher than is conventionally assumed (16.6 per cent for burglary and 13.5 for motor vehicle theft). The analysis provides evidence that there are two distinct groups of offenders – one offending at a very high rate and the other at a much lower rate. The majority of frequent offenders are caught and convicted but most infrequent offenders escape conviction. The bulletin concludes by arguing that control of burglary and motor vehicle theft requires a combination of law enforcement targeted at high rate offenders and prevention strategies designed to remove the opportunities and incentives for involvement in crime.

Details: Sydney: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2009. 8p.

Source: Internet Resource: Crime and Justice Bulletin, No. 130: Accessed October 9, 2010 at: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/CJB130.pdf/$file/CJB130.pdf

Year: 2009

Country: Australia

URL: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/CJB130.pdf/$file/CJB130.pdf

Shelf Number: 119896

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Burglary
Motor Vehicle Theft

Author: Cahill, Meagan

Title: Motor Vehicle Theft in the District of Columbia: Patterns and Trends, 2000-2009

Summary: Over the past 50 years, nationwide rates of motor vehicle thefts rose slowly and steadily to a peak in 1990 and then declined to a low in 2009. Rates in Washington, D.C. were higher and more volatile, averaging three to four times the national rate for two decades. Recently, however, rates in D.C. dropped to their lowest level in 25 years. While the Sixth Police District (6D) had the highest rates and counts of motor vehicle theft over the study period, the Seventh Police District (7D) had the largest percentage increase. Hot spots in 6D were located along major thoroughfares.

Details: Washington, DC: District of Columbia Crime Policy Institute, 2010. 4p.

Source: Internet Resource: Brief, No. 6: Accessed October 28, 2010 at:

Year: 2010

Country: United States

URL:

Shelf Number: 120001

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Crime Statistics
Hot Spots
Motor Vehicle Theft

Author: Consumer Goods Council of South Africa

Title: Trend Report on Violent Crime at Shopping Centres March 2008

Summary: This report is aimed at providing shopping centre owners and managers with an overview of violent crime occurring at shopping centers. The data for this report was collected from the following sources: incidents reported to the initiative by shopping centers, South African Berau (SABRIC) recorded incidents, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) retail database and press reports. The Shopping Centre Security Initiative focuses specifically on violent crime occurring at shopping centers. The initiative has identified a number of different categories of violent crime that occur at, or are linked to, shopping centers. These categories include: Cash-in Transit: This refers to robberies of bulk cash whilst in the custody of Cash-in Transit service providers. With regards to shopping centers, these robberies could occur while the cash-in-transit service provider’s vehicle is moving or ‘cross pavement’ where the personel of the cash-in-transit service provider is robbed while making their way to the vehicle. Robberies: Where armed robberies occur in an actual retail outlet situated in a shopping centre. These robberies involve both cash and merchandise - including valuables such as jewelry or cellular phones. Robberies are associated with the threat of weapons. Hi-Jackings: This refers to armed robberies of vehicles either at the shopping centre itself or where the victim is followed from the shopping centre and then robbed of their vehicle outside the shopping centre premises. ATM Attacks: This refers specifically to where explosives were used by criminals in order to disable ATM machines. Shopping centers as places to target victims: This refers to incidents where criminals make use of shopping centers to identify people to be targeted and then follow the targeted victim out of the shopping centre and rob them outside the shopping centre premises.

Details: South Africa: Consumer Goods Council, Crime Prevention Council, 2008. 15p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 27, 2011 at: www.restaurant.org.za/downloads/crime1.pdf

Year: 2008

Country: South Africa

URL:

Shelf Number: 121541

Keywords:
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) Crimes
Automobile Theft
Cash-In-Transit Crimes
Crimes Against Businesses
Motor Vehicle Theft
Retail Crimes
Robberies
Shopping Malls

Author: Kazmierow, Bronek J.

Title: Vehicle Crime at Outdoor Recreation and Tourist Destinations: Prevalence, Impact and Solutions

Summary: Vehicle crime in car parks at outdoor recreation and tourist destinations poses an unwelcome problem for visitors and destination managers in New Zealand. Some tourists and recreationists may avoid some outdoor recreation sites and activities because of perceived threats. Currently, no public agencies are fully addressing the problem, and the impact of vehicle crime in these settings is poorly understood. We set out to identify the prevalence and impact of this problem and, where possible, solutions, using a collaborative multiple-method approach that involved quantitative data collection from crime records; surveys of the New Zealand population, and domestic and international tourists; and five targeted recreationist surveys. In addition, qualitative data were gathered through focus groups of recreation participants and non-participants; media content analysis; an assessment of victim accounts; interviews with 30 convicted vehicle crime offenders; and three regional case studies. We found that, in contrast to vehicle crime recorded elsewhere in New Zealand, the incidence of vehicle crime at car parks managed by the Department of Conservation is low and predominately focused at a small number of car parks. Recreationists and the public considered the problem to be somewhat larger than official records suggested it was and, correspondingly, their reported levels of concern were disproportionately large. International tourists, however, were less concerned. Vehicle crime was a significant issue for outdoor recreationists, as this group experienced the highest levels of victimisation. However, international tourists falling victim to this crime appear to suffer the most severe consequences. Solutions uncovered as part of this study are presented, along with a summary of a planning and evaluation framework constructed for destination managers and associated agencies grappling with vehicle crime.

Details: Wellington, NZ: Publishing Team, New Zealand Department of Conservation, 2009. 86p.

Source: Internet Resource: Science for Conservation 298: Accessed August 31, 2011 at: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc298.pdf

Year: 2009

Country: New Zealand

URL: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc298.pdf

Shelf Number: 122564

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Car Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
Recreation
Tourism

Author: Carcach, Carlos

Title: An Economic Approach to Motor Vehicle Theft

Summary: Motor vehicle theft costs dearly to the Australian economy. Conservative estimates have put the annual cost of this form of illegal activity at 654 million during 1996. A number of initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence and cost of car theft have been implemented in recent years, yet statistics indicate that car theft is on the increase. Several authors have proposed an integrated approach to the regulation of markets for stolen property. Understanding property crime as a market is central to identifying approaches to its control. This paper discusses an industry model of crime and develops it on Australian data. Our model is an adaptation of one originally proposed by Vandeale (1978). It considers a production sector that uses inputs from a market of illegal labour to generate a supply of illegal goods that are traded in a product market. These sectors interact with each other and with a criminal justice sector. The model is applied to the analysis of car theft in Queensland.

Details: Berkeley, CA: Latin American and Caribbean Law and Economics Association (ALACDE) Annual Papers, Berkeley Program in Law and Economics, UC Berkeley, 2010. 23p.

Source: Internet Resource: Latin American and Caribbean Law and Economics Association (ALACDE) Annual Papers: Accessed October 29, 2011 at: http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/0r72d6sz

Year: 2010

Country: Australia

URL: http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/0r72d6sz

Shelf Number: 123178

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Car Theft
Illegal Markets
Motor Vehicle Theft (Australia)
Stolen Goods

Author: Dionne, Georges

Title: Does Opportunistic Fraud in Automobile Theft Insurance Fluctuate with the Business Cycle?

Summary: The report analyzes the empirical relationship between opportunistic fraud and business cycle. The authors find that residual opportunisitc fraud exists both in the contract with replacement cost endorsement and the contract with no-deductible endorsement in the Taiwan automobile theft insurance market. These results are consistent with previous literature on the relationship between fraud activity and insurance contracting. The authors also show that the severity of opportunistic fraud fluctuates in the opposite direction to the business cycle. Opportunistic fraud is stimulated during periods of recession and mitigated during periods of expansion.

Details: Montreal, Canada: CIRRELT, 2011.

Source: Internet Resource: CIRRELT-2011-49, Accessed on December 6, 2011 at: https://www.cirrelt.ca/DocumentsTravail/CIRRELT-2011-49.pdf

Year: 2011

Country: Canada

URL: https://www.cirrelt.ca/DocumentsTravail/CIRRELT-2011-49.pdf

Shelf Number: 123495

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Canada
Fraud
Insurance
Taiwan

Author: LaVigne, Nancy

Title: Evaluation of Camera Use to Prevent Crime in Commuter Parking Facilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary: Car-related crimes are a pervasive problem in the United States: each year an estimated 3.3 million people have their cars stolen or broken into. The cost of these crimes is significant: in 2008, the total value of stolen cars was roughly $6.4 billion, while another $1.6 billion was lost through thefts from cars. Commuter parking facilities, where owners leave their cars unattended for most of the day, have particularly high rates of car crime (Clarke 2002; Clarke and Mayhew 1998). Almost onequarter (23.7 percent) of car thefts and nearly 12 percent of all thefts happen in parking lots and non-residential garages. Despite the frequency and cost of car crime, strategies to prevent these crimes have not been well studied. This evaluation report examines the impact of digital cameras in reducing car crime in parking facilities serving riders of Washington, DC’s commuter rail system. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) runs the second-largest rail transit system and sixth-largest bus network in the United States. Between 1999 and 2003, before this study began, roughly half of all serious crimes on Metro property took place in parking facilities. Car crimes were roughly split between stolen cars and thefts from cars, but crime rates were not equal across Metro stations: just over one-third (36 percent) of the stations accounted for 80 percent of car crimes in 2003. These data suggest that some stations make better targets than others — and finding out why could help prevent those crimes. Urban Institute researchers, working with Metro Transit Police (MTP), set out to identify what parking facility characteristics and management practices might create opportunities for crime, analyze those findings in relation to past crimes, and identify promising crime reduction strategies. Noting the limited surveillance of Metro station parking facilities, researchers recommended WMATA use prominently placed cameras to deter offenders. To minimize costs, MTP chose to invest in digital cameras, installing still cameras (not video cameras) at the exits of half of Metro’s commuter parking lots, along with signs alerting drivers (and potential criminals) that license plate numbers and exit times were being recorded and monitored. Similar to “red light” traffic cameras, the digital cameras were equipped with motion detectors to take still photos of cars — including their license plates — as they exited the facility. In addition to deterring criminals, the cameras could provide Metro police with information to tailor their patrol schedules (such as the exact times of thefts) and aid in investigations. In reality, however, only a third of the cameras were live due to budget constraints; nevertheless, the dummy cameras were expected to convey the perception of surveillance. This strategy relied heavily on rational choice theory as embodied in situational crime prevention (SCP): by creating the perception of greater surveillance, law enforcement agencies hope to convince potential criminals that they are more likely to get caught and that they should consequently refrain from crime or take their criminal activities elsewhere.

Details: Washington, DC: Urban Institute, Justice Policy Center, 2011. 82p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 12, 2012 at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/236740.pdf

Year: 2011

Country: United States

URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/236740.pdf

Shelf Number: 123594

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
Parking Facilities
Situational Crime Prevention
Video Cameras
Video Surveillance

Author: Armitage, Rachel

Title: The Impact of the Design and Layout of Car Parking on Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Summary: This briefing note is one of a series of themed papers which reports the findings from a collaborative project funded by the Home Office and managed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). This note focuses upon the impact of the design and layout of car parking on crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) within residential housing. The project set out to strengthen and update the evidence base on the impact of residential design on a range of crime types – with a specific focus on housing developments acclaimed for their innovative design and award winning architecture. It should be highlighted that although this briefing note is designed as a summary document, the findings and recommendations are based upon a seven month project conducted by a consortium of universities including experts within the field of designing out crime, statistical modelling, urban design and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The project was overseen by an expert Steering Group who ensured that the research was conducted to the required standards in terms of independence and methodological rigour. The main aim of the research was to establish which features of residential design impact upon crime (either positively or negatively) and whether these design features are those being promoted as good practice within planning policy and guidance. In terms of car parking, this includes questions such as:  Are properties with garages safer than those without?  Where garages cannot be provided, what is the safest form of parking?  How safe is underground parking?  What impact are planning policies designed to remove the car from the street scene having upon crime and ASB? Recent and imminent changes in both planning policy and policing provision, increase the importance of ensuring that research findings are conveyed in a clear and comprehensible format. Practitioners (with increased workloads and reduced numbers) and newly formed community and locally based bodies need to be able to extract the relevant implications and apply these to proposed developments within their area. For this reason, this series of briefing notes will not dwell on the complex methodology or detailed analysis; rather it will focus upon the key recommendations for policy and practice.

Details: Huddersfield, UK: University of Huddersfield, 2011. 7p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 19, 2012 at: http://www.hud.ac.uk/media/universityofhuddersfield/content/image/research/hhs/acc/Briefing%20Notes%20-%20Car%20Parking%20on%20Crime%20and%20Anti-Social%20Behaviour.pdf

Year: 2011

Country: United Kingdom

URL: http://www.hud.ac.uk/media/universityofhuddersfield/content/image/research/hhs/acc/Briefing%20Notes%20-%20Car%20Parking%20on%20Crime%20and%20Anti-Social%20Behaviour.pdf

Shelf Number: 123661

Keywords:
Anti-Social Behavior
Automobile Theft
Design Against Crime
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Parking Facilities
Residential Homes
Situational Crime Prevention (U.K.)
Urban Design

Author: Aldridge, Chris D.

Title: "Bait Vehicle" Technologies and Motor Vehicle Theft Along the Southwest Border

Summary: In 2005, over 33% of all the vehicles reported stolen in the United States occurred in the four southwestern border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, which all have very high vehicle theft rates in comparison to the national average. This report describes the utilization of “bait vehicles” and associated technologies in the context of motor vehicle theft along the southwest border of the U.S. More than 100 bait vehicles are estimated to be in use by individual agencies and auto theft task forces in the southwestern border states. The communications, tracking, mapping, and remote control technologies associated with bait vehicles provide law enforcement with an effective tool to obtain arrests in vehicle theft “hot spots.” Recorded audio and video from inside the vehicle expedite judicial proceedings as offenders rarely contest the evidence presented. At the same time, law enforcement is very interested in upgrading bait vehicle technology through the use of live streaming video for enhanced officer safety and improved situational awareness. Bait vehicle effectiveness could be enhanced by dynamic analysis of motor theft trends through exploitation of geospatial, timeline, and other analytical tools to better inform very near-term operational decisions, including the selection of particular vehicle types. This “information-led” capability would especially benefit from more precise and timely information on the location of vehicles stolen in the United States and found in Mexico. Introducing Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) technology to collect information associated with stolen motor vehicles driven into Mexico could enhance bait vehicle effectiveness.

Details: Livermore, CA: Sandia National Laboratories, 2007. 40p.

Source: Sandia Report SAND2007-6010: Internet Resource: Accessed August 30, 2012 at http://prod.sandia.gov/techlib/access-control.cgi/2007/076010.pdf

Year: 2007

Country: United States

URL: http://prod.sandia.gov/techlib/access-control.cgi/2007/076010.pdf

Shelf Number: 126177

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Bait Vehicle
Motor Vehicle Theft
Police Technology
Vehicle Theft

Author: Queensland. Crime and Misconduct Commission

Title: Organised Property Crime in Queensland

Summary: Since 1999, the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has monitored Queensland’s organised crime markets — including the organised property crime market — by means of a series of strategic assessments (CMC 2004, 2009; Queensland Crime Commission & Queensland Police Service 1999). These have consistently assessed the risk posed by organised property crime in Queensland as medium. In 2012 the CMC decided not to conduct a dedicated assessment of the organised property crime market. Instead, it reviewed organised crime trends in Queensland and identified the following current and emerging issues in organised property crime: » motor vehicle theft and rebirthing » boat theft and rebirthing » heavy equipment theft » copper theft. It is important to note that identifying these matters as key issues does not necessarily mean that organised criminals commit most or even many of the kinds of offences discussed here. Our analysis suggests that organised criminals are, however, more likely to be involved in these than other kinds of property crime. This, combined with indications of possible increasing trends over the next two to three years, is why these issues have been highlighted over others. Key findings of the report: 1. Organised vehicle theft in Queensland is likely to increase over the next two to three years, based on recent increases in profit-motivated vehicle thefts, and increasing interstate trends in the theft of vehicles for parts or sale as scrap metal. 2. Compared with organised vehicle theft, organised vehicle rebirthing is less likely to increase because of Queensland’s regulatory standards. 3. Organised heavy equipment theft is increasing in Queensland, particularly in rural and regional areas. These offences are likely to continue to increase over the next few years, assuming continued growth in the mining and construction industries. 4. Most boat thefts in Queensland are organised, and there remains potential for organised crime groups to further exploit this crime type. There are currently weaknesses in boat identification and registration practices providing opportunities for offenders to dispose of stolen boats. 5. Copper theft in Queensland is largely opportunistic, but the associated harms are significant. Monitoring and early action can prevent the issue from escalating as it has done internationally. 6. Key factors contributing to organised property crimes in Queensland are the profits involved, property that is not adequately secure, weaknesses in product identification and registration practices (especially for heavy equipment and boats), and difficulties experienced by law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting offenders. 7. Members of the public and business operators should take steps to reduce the likelihood of their property being targeted by organised or opportunistic criminals.

Details: Brisbane: Crime and Miscondcut Commission, 2012. 16p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 10, 2012 at: www.cmc.qld.gov.au/

Year: 2012

Country: Australia

URL:

Shelf Number: 127199

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Boat Theft
Car Theft
Copper Theft
Heavy Equipment Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
Organized Crime (Australia)
Property Crime

Author: van Ours, Jan C.

Title: The Engine Immobilizer: A Non-Starter for Car Thieves

Summary: We provide evidence for a beneficial welfare impact of a crime policy that is targeted at strenghtening victim precaution. Regulation made application of the electronic engine immobilizer, a simple and low-cost anti-theft device, mandatory for all new cars sold within the European Union as of 1998. We exploit the regulation as source of exogenous variation in use of the device by year of manufacture of cars. Based on detailed data at the level of car models, we find that uniform application of the security device reduced the probability of car theft by an estimated 50 percent on average in the Netherlands during 1995-2008, accounting for both the protective effect on cars with the device and the displacement effect on cars without the device. The costs per prevented theft equal some 1,500 Euro; a fraction of the social benefits of a prevented car theft.

Details: Tilburg, The Netherlands: Tilburg University, Tilburg Law and Economics Center, 2013. 27p.

Source: Internet Resource: CentER Discussion Paper Series No. 2013-004
TILEC Discussion Paper No. 2013-001: Accessed January 29, 2013 at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2202165


Year: 2013

Country: International

URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2202165


Shelf Number: 127418

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Car Theft
Crime Prevention
Engine Immobilizer
Vehicle Theft

Author: McCormick, Amanda V.

Title: Motor Vehicle Theft: An Analysis of Recovered Vehicles in the Fraser Valley

Summary: Motor vehicle theft is one of the most commonly reported crimes in Canada. In British Columbia, an estimated 48 vehicles are stolen every day. Vehicles are typically stolen for three reasons: recreation, transportation, or profit. Vehicles stolen for recreation primarily involve youth attempting to establish status among peers. This form of motor vehicle theft involves joyriding or stealing a vehicle for fun. Vehicles stolen for transportation are often stolen for a single-trip. These vehicles may also be stolen for use in other offences, such as break and enter. Vehicles stolen for profit are either stolen directly for resell or in order to sell the vehicle's individual parts. These vehicles may also be falsely reported stolen for the purposes of insurance fraud by the vehicle's owner. Research on motor vehicle theft has primarily focused on its motives, the methods used by auto thieves, and the profile of auto thieves. There has been a lack of research specifically on the recovery of stolen vehicles. The current study analyzed 2,335 police reports of vehicles stolen from the Fraser Valley cities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission. The analysis also included vehicles reported stolen in other jurisdictions, but subsequently recovered in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or Mission. Nearly half (49 per cent) of all stolen vehicles were taken from the owner's house. Most stolen vehicles (85.5 per cent) were taken by damaging the vehicle's ignition system. Cars were stolen more frequently than trucks, comprising nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of the current sample. On average, stolen vehicles were 13 years old. Dodges (14.5 per cent) and Fords (13.7 per cent) were the most commonly stolen vehicles. Almost all (89 per cent) vehicles reported stolen in the current study were eventually recovered by police. Slightly more than one-third (35.5 per cent) of stolen vehicles were recovered in residential areas. Other locations included rural (16.8 per cent) or remote areas (11.2 per cent), in addition to business areas (14.7 per cent). Given that only 5.6% of vehicles were stolen from rural and remote locations, but nearly one-third (28 per cent) of stolen vehicles were recovered in rural and remote locations, further analyses were conducted with 305 vehicles that met this criteria. The most common location for vehicle recoveries in remote and rural locations was Burma Road in Mission (9.8 per cent). The results suggest that Burma Road may be somewhat of a "hot spot" for the dumping of stolen vehicles. The majority (81 per cent) of recovered vehicles had some degree of damage upon recovery. In total, 3.6% of vehicles were destroyed completely, while 5.3% were burned. Vehicles that were recovered in rural or remote dumpsites were significantly more likely to be damaged than vehicles recovered in non-rural or remote locations. Over two-thirds (68.7 per cent) of destroyed vehicles were dumped in a rural or remote location. Similarly, over half (56.1 per cent) of burned vehicles were dumped in rural or remote locations. Much of the motor vehicle theft analyzed in the current study could likely be categorized as motor vehicle theft for transportation. The vast majority of vehicles stolen in the Fraser Valley were also recovered there. Further, many vehicles were recovered in the same jurisdiction from which they were stolen. A small proportion of vehicles recovered in the Fraser Valley were vehicles stolen from neighbouring or otherwise nearby jurisdictions. It is possible that the lack of available transportation between Lower to the Fraser Valley. Over one-quarter (28 per cent) vehicles stolen in the Fraser Valley were subsequently recovered in rural or remote areas. Specifically, 11.2% of stolen vehicles were recovered from remote dumpsites. It is not reasonable to presume that transportation would be the motive for theft in these cases. Instead, it is plausible that some of these vehicles are reported stolen for the purpose of committing insurance fraud. Many of the vehicles recovered in rural and remote dumpsites were damaged, possibly indicating an attempt to cover up the identity of the vehicle's owner or other evidence indicative of fraud. To prevent, or at least increase, the potential to substantiate suspicions of insurance fraud, the results of the study suggest that utilizing stationary surveillance cameras may be beneficial in known dumpsites. By using stationary cameras along access roads to more frequently used rural and remote dumpsites, investigators will have access to documented photographs that may support claims that a person has engaged in insurance fraud through falsely reporting a motor vehicle theft. The results of the current study identified several potential areas for future research. The current study provided much needed information regarding the nature of vehicle theft and recovery in the Fraser Valley; however, future research should seek to expand the understanding of the role of insurance fraud; in particular, as it relates to remote dumpsites. This is especially important, given that the high rate of vehicle recovery in the current study (89 per cent) indicated a lack of theft for profit. Secondly, research should focus on the identification of risk factors for motor vehicle theft. In other words, future research should seek to identify those factors that most likely contribute to vehicle theft and recovery.

Details: Abbotsford, BC: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University College of the Fraser Valley, 2007. 43p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 11, 2013 at: http://www.ufv.ca/media/assets/ccjr/reports-and-publications/Auto_Theft_Recovery.pdf

Year: 2007

Country: Canada

URL: http://www.ufv.ca/media/assets/ccjr/reports-and-publications/Auto_Theft_Recovery.pdf

Shelf Number: 131616

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft (Canada)

Author: Victoria Police

Title: Addressing profit-motivated vehicle theft in Victoria's separated parts and scrap metal industries

Summary: 1. The inter-agency Task Force Discover was established to examine how the motor wrecking and scrap metal industries may facilitate profit-motivated vehicle theft (PMVT). Led by Victoria Police Crime Command, the Task Force completed a state-wide regulatory audit of motor wreckers and scrap metal dealers to reconcile anecdotal evidence that regulatory non-compliance by these businesses creates opportunities for PMVT. The Task Force aimed to develop an objective understanding of the extent of regulatory compliance among motor wreckers and scrap metal dealers and consider how levels of non-compliance related to unrecovered stolen vehicles in Victoria. 2. PMVT is a significant problem in Victoria. Data from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council demonstrates there were 2,562 unrecovered stolen passenger and light commercial (PLC) vehicles in Victoria in 2013. The number of unrecovered PLC vehicles in Victoria has increased 21 per cent over the last five years due to the ability of vehicle thieves to profit from the growing domestic and international demand for spare parts and scrap metal. This demand has led to an expansion in the motor wrecking and scrap metal industries1, which now comprise a variety of players displaying an equally diverse range of capital resources, experience and levels of compliance with the law. Vehicle thieves can subsequently exploit the noncompliant tiers of industry to off-load, launder and sell stolen vehicles for the value of their separated parts and left over scrap metal. 3. Between September 2013 and June 2014, Task Force Discover audited a total of 432 motor wreckers and scrap metal dealers, estimated to represent approximately 90 percent of all operators in Victoria. The Task Force audited all commercial practices supporting the trade in used vehicles, spare parts and scrap metal derived from vehicles in order to: - collect intelligence on compliant and non-compliant commercial practices; - complete an authoritative assessment on the overall extent of regulatory compliance and consider implications that levels of non-compliance have for levels of PMVT in Victoria; and - improve the understanding of issues associated with the motor wrecking and scrap metal industries, including occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental protection issues. 4. The Task Force Discover audit focussed firstly on business licensing with a Motor Car Traders Licence (MCTL), business registration with Second-Hand Dealers Registration (SHDR) and record keeping practices for the trade in vehicles due to the implications that noncompliance in these areas has for PMVT. Secondly the audit focussed on occupational health and safety and environmental protection standards for the trade in parts and scrap due to the implications that non-compliance in these areas has for community harm. Task Force investigators (comprising Victoria Police detectives) made an assessment of the regulatory compliance of each business they attended. Of the 432 motor wreckers and scrap metal dealers audited: - 302 businesses or 70 per cent were assessed by Task Force investigators as either not holding the required authorisation to trade (i.e. the correct licence or registration) or being non-compliant to some degree with the conditions of their business licence or registration. This non-compliance included: - incomplete record keeping on customer identities and vehicle identifiers - failing to make notifications to the Written-Off Vehicles Register (WOVR) - failing to undertake criminal history checks and background screening of employees, and - failing to publicly display business licensing or registration details. - 199 businesses or 46 per cent were assessed as not holding the required authorisation to trade and of these: - 112 businesses operated without a MCTL or SHDR, but were assessed as requiring a MCTL - 12 businesses operated without a MCTL or SHDR, but were assessed as requiring a SHDR - 75 businesses traded only with a SHDR, but were assessed as requiring a MCTL. - 398 businesses or 92 per cent did not submit notifications to the WOVR. - 390 businesses or 90 per cent were assessed to be non-compliant to some degree with OHS and environmental protection regulations - 82 businesses or almost 20 per cent were referred for safety breaches deemed likely to cause injury; and - 41 businesses or 9 per cent were referred for moderate environmental breaches causing obvious and ongoing serious pollution to soil and waterways.

Details: Melbourne: Victoria Police, 2014. 41p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 29, 2015 at: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?a=internetBridgingPage&Media_ID=108408

Year: 2014

Country: Australia

URL: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?a=internetBridgingPage&Media_ID=108408

Shelf Number: 135419

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
Scrap Metal Theft
Stolen Vehicles

Author: Morgan, Nick

Title: Reducing criminal opportunity: vehicle security and vehicle crime

Summary: This report analyses trends in vehicle security devices and tries to determine the extent to which improved security has driven down vehicle-related theft in England and Wales and other nations. For the first half of the 20th century, few vehicle thefts were recorded and vehicle security devices were rare. Then thefts started rising in the 1960s and steering locks were introduced as a result. These checked rather than halted rising crime, leading to a 'second wave' of security devices in the 1980s and 1990s including central locking, car alarms and - most importantly - electronic immobilisers. To begin with, these devices appeared to have little effect as vehicle crime levels rose faster than ever up until 1993. But then crime began to fall sharply as many of the 'second-wave' devices spread through the vehicle fleet. Using a mixed-methods approach, this report attempts to assess the degree to which improved vehicle security might have caused the vehicle crime decline by reducing the number of opportunities for would-be offenders. Findings are supportive of a marked crime-reduction effect. But the results also suggest that security has not been universally effective, nor does it seem to be the only factor that has made vehicle crime rise and fall so sharply over the last 50 years.

Details: London: Home Office, 2016. 139p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report 87: Accessed January 13, 2016 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/489097/horr87.pdf

Year: 2016

Country: United Kingdom

URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/489097/horr87.pdf

Shelf Number: 137477

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Car Theft
Crime Prevention
Motor Vehicle Theft
Vehicle Crime
Vehicle Theft

Author: DLA Piper

Title: Review of Regulation of Separated Parts Markets in Australia

Summary: This report examines the legislation that applies to the trade in separated motor vehicle parts throughout Australia. The report is prepared against a background of growing concern that existing regulatory arrangements are not optimally effective for combatting criminal involvement in the vehicle and vehicle parts trades. The current regulatory arrangements comprise a multiplicity of legislative schemes regulating motor car traders, vehicle repairers and second hand dealers. While other laws apply to the separated parts trades (including laws relating to written-off vehicles, and general consumer protection and criminal laws), the focus of this report is on the schemes that most closely regulate the conduct of persons carrying on business of buying and selling used vehicle parts. Most of these schemes are licensing schemes. Persons must hold the appropriate licences in order to carry on the business. To do so they must meet various criteria to show they are fit and proper persons. They must continue to meet those criteria, and comply with licence conditions and other requirements or risk having their licence suspended or cancelled. The basic model is similar in all jurisdictions. However, the legislation is far from being uniform or consistent. Different schemes have different regulatory objectives. The extent to which they apply to the trade in vehicle parts varies considerably. In some jurisdictions, persons dealing in vehicle parts are regulated as motor traders and in others as general second hand dealers. Licensing criteria differ, as do the conditions and requirements that apply to the conduct of the business. In some jurisdictions the trade in separated parts is subject to stringent and extensive regulatory controls while in others it is effectively unregulated. In summary, the position in each of the jurisdictions appears to be: - New South Wales is the only jurisdiction with legislation specifically targeting both vehicle repairers and motor traders operating as auto dismantlers and motor vehicle reconstructors. - Victoria. The trade in whole vehicles, including dismantled vehicle shells, is regulated under the motor dealer legislation while the trade in vehicle parts and accessories is regulated under the second hand dealers legislation. - Queensland. Persons who break up or re-assemble vehicles are required to be licensed as motor dealers while suppliers of separated parts are regulated as second hand dealers. - South Australia. Traders in complete and working vehicles are regulated under the motor dealers legislation while those involved in the trade in wrecked vehicles, vehicle shells and vehicle spares are regulated as second hand dealers. - Western Australia. Licensing requirements apply to persons who dismantle whole vehicles and to repairers who purchase separated parts for repair work. Persons who trade solely in separated vehicle parts appear to be unregulated. - Tasmania. Second hand motor dealers are required to be licensed as motor dealers and second-hand dealers. Vehicle dismantlers and parts sellers must notify police under the second-hand dealer legislation. - Australian Capital Territory. Vehicle dismantlers and constructors who sell, buy or exchange separated parts are licensed under motor repairer legislation, but intermediaries in the supply of separated vehicle parts appear to be unregulated. - Northern Territory. Persons trading in whole vehicles are required to hold a motor dealers licence, although motor wreckers appear not to be. Persons who buy, sell or exchange second hand parts are required to hold a second hand dealers licence. In this report we outline the main elements of the State and Territory schemes, based on a review of the relevant legislation. This analysis indicates that New South Wales has, particularly in its Motor Dealers Act 1974, the most robust licensing regime. Nevertheless, it is possible that the current uneven and inconsistent regulatory coverage is providing opportunities for criminal involvement in the separated parts trades. If that is so, there may be a case for nationally consistent regulatory reform. Further research is needed about the impact of the current patchwork approach, to assess whether there would be net benefits in a national regulatory approach. The report then considers the legislative mechanisms available to regulatory agencies under the present schemes. It looks at how the different legislative frameworks set out controls over the right to carry on second hand parts related businesses, the powers available for monitoring and overseeing those businesses, the penalties and sanctions available for operating outside the scheme and for breaching scheme requirements and the compliance and enforcement powers available to deal with breaches. Because the legislative schemes are very diverse, this analysis is necessarily high level. It also tends to focus on the provisions which appear to provide the most effective and robust set of regulatory controls, the majority of which are to be found in NSW legislation. The final part of the report looks at mechanisms in other regulatory environments that may be able to be adopted or adapted to improve the effectiveness of regulation of the separated parts market. This analysis proceeds from consideration of two key concepts which underpin many contemporary regulatory strategies: - an enforcement pyramid of progressively more severe interventions to enable regulators to take action that responds appropriately and cost effectively to non-compliant behaviour; and - a chain of responsibility liability model, which imposes a legal responsibility on all parties with the motive and/or capacity to influence compliance outcomes. In this context we describe a range of interventions and orders that may be applied to the regulation of the separated parts market, including civil penalties, administrative improvement and prohibition notices, court based directions and interventions, forfeiture and commercial benefits penalties, prohibition and industry exclusion and directors and officers liability for corporate fault. The focus of this discussion is on legislative compliance and enforcement measures. However, it must be recognised that these are only a part of an overall compliance framework. Co-operative engagement with the regulated entities, clearly articulated and consistently followed intervention policies and sufficient skilled and properly resourced enforcement personnel are also critical for effective regulation of any business activity.

Details: North Melbourne, VIC: National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, 2013. 39p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 23, 2016 at: http://carsafe.com.au/assets/ModernisingRegulatoryRegimesDLAPiper.pdf

Year: 2013

Country: Australia

URL: http://carsafe.com.au/assets/ModernisingRegulatoryRegimesDLAPiper.pdf

Shelf Number: 138789

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
Scrap Metal Theft
Stolen Vehicles

Author: MM Starrs Pty Ltd

Title: Benefits of Theft Reform -- Technical Working Paper

Summary: In accordance with the terms of the inter-government/insurance industry agreement under which it operates, the NMVTRC is required to present an evaluation of its operations to State and Territory Ministers and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) during 2014/15. There are three discrete elements to the Review:  This study of the economic and social benefits (the benefits element) of the NMVTRC's theft reform activities;  A survey of stakeholders' perceptions of the NMVTRC's performance in meeting its objectives and support for its dissolution or extension (the stakeholder element); and  The development of a set of recommendations by the NMVTRC on whether it should be wound-up or extended. This report deals solely with the benefits element. The report demonstrates the economic value of vehicle theft reform to Australia and the NMVTRC's considerable contribution to delivering those benefits.

Details: North Melbourne Victoria: National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, 2014. 13p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 13, 2016 : https://carsafe.com.au/assets/Benefits_Summary__Final_.pdf

Year: 2014

Country: Australia

URL: https://carsafe.com.au/assets/Benefits_Summary__Final_.pdf

Shelf Number: 145433

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Crime Prevention
Vehicle Theft

Author: Associacion Civil Paz Activa

Title: 2 - Informe del Observatorio de delito organizado en Venezuela (The increase in Organized Crime is a threat to democracy

Summary: Venezuelans perceive that the state security forces, instead of fighting, favor the existence and operation of Organized Crime. Sixty-six percent of the interviewees considered that it was the police and the military who sold arms to Organized Crime. The three most common activities at the national level are: drug trafficking, product smuggling and theft and sale of vehicles and spare parts. On average, about one in 3 respondents who said that drug trafficking is "very present" in the country, one interviewee said that they are "not present". The Organized Crime Observatory and the Social Sciences Laboratory (LACSO) are pleased to present the II report of the Organized Crime Observatory, based on the "Results of the 2nd Organized Crime Survey in Venezuela", a study carried out in 7 regions Of the national territory in the period of July and August of this year 2015. Beyond the mere disclosure of the results of our research, we consider it extremely important to inform the citizen in some way about the nature of these crimes and how not to be part of them or victims of these in particular. As reflected in the pages of this publication, more than half of Venezuelans believe that the increase in Organized Crime is a threat to democracy, and even more so in this time where we perceive their presence in much of our daily lives. Here are some relevant results of this study: The three most common activities at the national level are: drug trafficking, product smuggling, theft and sale of vehicles and spare parts. Gangs, mafias and bands, along with pranes and armed groups, are the groups that are considered to be the cause of Organized Crime. For every 3 people who reported that the activity of gangs, mafias and gangs are responsible for Organized Crime, 1 person said otherwise. Sixty-six percent of the interviewees considered that it was the police and the military who sold arms to Organized Crime. More than half of the interviewees expressed fear of the complaint and cooperated with the police and the judicial system. Half of those surveyed nationwide in the past 12 months have been the victims of robbery or theft. Sixty-four percent of respondents felt that it was easy or very easy to get drugs in their community. This perception has increased little between 2013 and 2015 by 3 percentage points. The interviewees consider that personal insecurity has worsened in the country in the last twelve months. This is perceived by 76% of the respondents. The actors identified as responsible for Organized Crime were gangs, mafias and gangs, prisons in the prisons and groups. There was little attribution to the paramilitaries and guerrillas. An important majority of the population considered that the military had been corrupted by drug trafficking. The population considers that organized crime should be combated with the application of the law and not negotiate with criminals or zones of peace. The vast majority of the population, throughout the country and all social or political sectors, believes that the increase in Organized Crime is a threat to democracy. English Summary

Details: Caracas: Asociacion Civil Paz Activa, Observatorio de delito organizado. 2015. 78p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 22, 2017 at: http://observatoriodot.org.ve/cms/images/documentos/ODO_2do_informe_web_v11_carta.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: Venezuela

URL: http://observatoriodot.org.ve/cms/images/documentos/ODO_2do_informe_web_v11_carta.pdf

Shelf Number: 145156

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Citizen Security
Drug Trafficking
Gangs
Organized Crime
Smuggling

Author: Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group - ESAAMLG

Title: Typologies report on money laundering related to illicit dealings in and smuggling of motor vehicles in the ESAAMLG region

Summary: Motor vehicles play a vital role in the economic and social growth of every country. However, motor vehicles have recently become instruments and a source of illegally obtained financial gains for criminal syndicates and individuals. This study was aimed at identifying vulnerabilities of money laundering and terrorist financing associated with illicit dealing in and motor vehicle smuggling through case studies from the region in order to identify the trends and methods used to launder the proceeds generated from the illicit dealing in and smuggling of motor vehicles. The study further identifies gaps and efforts put in place by governments and other stakeholders to address illicit dealing in and motor vehicle smuggling. The study also identifies the role played by those involved in the illicit dealing in and motor vehicle smuggling and its economic and social impact thereof, the source and destination of smuggled vehicles, the licensing and supervision of motor vehicle dealers and the modus operandi. The study establishes how the illicit generated proceeds are or have previously been laundered and whether proceeds can be linked with the funding of other crimes including funding of terrorist activities. Based on the case studies, it is clear that bonded warehouses and Financial Institutions are being misused to facilitate money laundering activities with the real estate being the most vulnerable area where the proceeds are used. The study has also shown that insurance companies are widely affected by fraudulent claims made by motor vehicle owners who illegally export their vehicles and later report them stolen.

Details: Dar es Salaam - United Republic of Tanzania: ESAAMLG, 2012. 27p.

Source: Internet Resource: Presented at the 24th Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre ESAAMLG Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting 24 - 30 August 2012 Maputo, MozambiqueAccessed November 10, 2017 at: http://www.esaamlg.org/userfiles/Illicit%20Dealings%20in%20and%20Smuggling%20of%20Motor%20Vehicles%20Report.pdf

Year: 2012

Country: Africa

URL: http://www.esaamlg.org/userfiles/Illicit%20Dealings%20in%20and%20Smuggling%20of%20Motor%20Vehicles%20Report.pdf

Shelf Number: 148125

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Money Laundering
Smuggling of Goods
Terrorist Financing
Vehicle Theft

Author: Interpol

Title: Motor Vehicle Crime in Global Perspective. Analytical Report

Summary: The existence of transnational organized crime groups active in motor vehicle crime is acknowledged by the majority (89.8%) of member countries that replied to the questionnaire. Another majority of 82% of the member countries that replied to the questionnaire have special units in place that deal with motor vehicle crime or take part in regularly organized operations that focus on motor vehicle crime. There is no accurate standard, model or metric available to measure organized crime. At best, calculated estimates can be made using statistics, economic trade models and known financial flows in combination with seizures, arrests and convictions of perpetrators. Similarly, there are no comparable statistics available on the economic damage caused by Motor Vehicle Crime. Indications and estimations are made using statistics provided by insurance companies that supply vehiclerelated insurance policies. INTERPOL's Stolen Motor Vehicle database, in combination with the automated search facility, is a tool already in place to develop and standardize statistics with regard to transnational motor vehicle crime. Stakeholders that are affected by motor vehicle crime are car manufacturers, the vehicle owner, law enforcement agencies, registration authorities, insurance companies, legislative bodies, justice departments and vehicle related business such as rental companies and scrap yards. Legislation and the enforcement of laws with regard to, for example, vehicle-related insurance, technical status of the vehicle and import/export procedures varies greatly in different countries. This negatively influences international cooperation with regard to transnational motor vehicle crime. Targeted stolen vehicles can be divided into two categories. The majority is readily available and of a common car make and model (quantity). The second category of vehicles (quality) are those that are extra lucrative (Sport Utility Vehicles and luxury cars, for example) that are sometimes targeted especially. A majority of 59% of the member countries that replied to the questionnaire state that some level of violence is used in the theft of a motor vehicle with a wide range of violence levels. The modus operandi with regard to motor vehicle crime in South American countries seem to involve more violence and the use of psychotropic substance compared to other regions. A majority of 87.7% of member countries report that stolen vehicles as a whole or in parts are taken to their bordering countries. At present, there is no in-depth analysis on routes and the flux of routes available. A shared language and ethnicity as well as the homogeneous structure of organized crime groups are important factors to consider in the (facilitated) movement of illicit goods in general, and stolen motor vehicles in particular. Transnational organized Motor Vehicle Crime is often linked to other crime areas such as corruption, terrorism, robbery, trafficking in human beings, drug trafficking and the illicit trade in weapons.

Details: Paris: Interpol, 2014. 28p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 31, 2018 at: https://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Vehicle-crime/Vehicle-crime

Year: 2014

Country: International

URL: https://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Vehicle-crime/Vehicle-crime

Shelf Number: 148930

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Motor Vehicle Crime
Organized Crime
Stolen Vehicles
Vehicle Crime

Author: Hombrados, Jorge Garcia

Title: What Is the Causal Effect of Poverty on Property Crime? Evidence from Chile

Summary: In February 27th 2010, an earthquake Richter magnitude 8.8 affects the south of Chile leading to increases in poverty rates in municipalities of the south and the center of Chile. This study exploits the variation in the exposure of Chilean municipalities to this exogenous income shock combining instrumental variables and spatial panel econometric models to investigate the causal effect of poverty on property crime at the municipality level in Chile. Preliminary results show that once endogeneity and spatial dependence are accounted for, poverty has a strong and significant effect on property crime, measured as incidence of car thefts. A 10 percentage points increase in poverty incidence increases in 54 the number of car thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. Furthermore, the study shows that the incidence of property crime of a municipality is not only affected by its poverty level but also by the level of poverty in neighbour municipalities. The significance of the effect of poverty on property crime is robust to alternative specifications, econometric models and to other robustness checks.

Details: Unpublished paper, 2015. 48p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 27, 2018 at: http://lacer.lacea.org/bitstream/handle/123456789/53025/lacea2015_effect_poverty_property_crime.pdf?sequence=1

Year: 2015

Country: Chile

URL: http://lacer.lacea.org/bitstream/handle/123456789/53025/lacea2015_effect_poverty_property_crime.pdf?sequence=1

Shelf Number: 149271

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Car Thefts
Economics of Crime
Poverty and Crime
Property Crime
Socioeconomic Conditions and Crime
Vehicle Theft

Author: Foster, John Robert Wilfred

Title: Development a Relevant Business Model for the South African Informal Car Guarding Sector

Summary: Car guarding, a uniquely South African activity, has become a common form of informal employment. The perception of many is that car guarding is a last resort of financial survival and pursued by those entrapped in a life of drug/alcohol addiction or poor life choices. This study had five objectives: firstly to determine if car guarding and the income made solely from tips is an economically viable mean of survival; secondly to determine the socio-cultural challenges (such as the perception towards car guards) and the physical challenges (such as weather conditions faced) while performing their duties; thirdly to discover general and specific skills car guards possess, either from past employment, or obtained while car guarding; fourthly to reveal the factors which influenced individuals to become car guards; and lastly to better evaluate the current car guarding business models, in order to provide suggestions to improve these. An exploratory research design with convenience sampling of 30 car guards at six different public domains was used. The study was limited to Durban because a degree of rapport had been built through previous informal discussions with car guards. Data was collected from car guards by means of one on one detailed open-ended qualitative questioning in order to ascertain reasons and opinions. Quantitative aspects were not explored. The data obtained was recorded and analyzed by thematic analysis. The study revealed the dismal situation of car guards. For example, at most venues they are charged a "bay fee" to guard a designated area, and have no choice but to survive on the limited amount of donations they are able to obtain, after paying the fee. Besides being harassed and often intimidated by both motorists; security officers and the management of parking premises, they have to brave the elements and work long hours with no physical protection and hardly any employer-support. Recommendations include implementation of a more effective business model to allow for formalization of car guard employment and at the very least good work standards, training and skill development. Organizations need to rise to the challenge to support car guards and local Community Policing Forums (CPF) need to be more involved in assisting car guards.

Details: University of Kwazulu-Natal, College of Law and Management Studies, 2015. 152p.

Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed November 12, 2018 at: http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10413/14748/Foster_John_Robert_Wilfred_2015.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Year: 2015

Country: South Africa

URL: http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10413/14748/Foster_John_Robert_Wilfred_2015.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Shelf Number: 153390

Keywords:
Automobile Theft
Car Guards
Car Theft
Crime Prevention
Informal Economy
Security Officers