The New Zealand government has launched vehicle crime reduction programme which could be a world-leader.
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The major features of the scheme are the use of whole of vehicle marking or ‘DataDots’ on all new and used vehicles less than 15 years old that are imported after the regime comes into effect, expected within 18 months.
About 80% of vehicle crime in the country is opportunistic; the other 20% is professional crime involving the fraudulent re-identification of a vehicle or theft of its parts.
Currently only five to 10% of used vehicles imported into New Zealand (usually from Japan, where theft is less of a problem) are fitted with immobilisers while 90 to 95% of new cars have them as standard.
Overseas evidence suggests that making immobilisers compulsory will have a significant impact within three years.
In West Australia vehicle theft fell 34% between 1999 and 2001, during which time the number of vehicles fitted with immobilisers rose from 45 to 70%. In the UK, where immobilisers have been required since 1998, vehicle theft has fallen 23%.
A government spokesman said whole vehicle marking, such as microdots, would reduce professional thefts by securely marking vehicles and their parts with the VIN number in numerous locations.
Dave Moore
