NATIONAL PUSH FOR VEHICLE MARKING TO REDUCE THEFT
Published Thursday, 16 November, 2006 at 01:13 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence is backing a national push to introduce compulsory anti-theft marking on all new vehicles in the bid to curb car theft.
Ms Spence gave the proposal for micro-dot marking vehicles her support at today’s Australasian Police Minister’s Council meeting in Adelaide.
“This is about bringing in ‘whole of vehicle marking’, where new cars have several thousand microdots applied to every part of the vehicle during their production,” Ms Spence said.
“These dots can only be viewed through an ultra-violet light, and make it harder for organised crime groups and thieves to re-identify vehicles for sale, or to dismantle them and sell-off parts.
“The volume of the microdots applied makes it very difficult for thieves to remove all of the markings, and much easier for police to track stolen vehicles or parts.”
Ms Spence said while car theft rates were continuing to drop in Queensland, it remained a crime with huge costs to the community, and required a considerable policing response.
“It is estimated that criminals net around $500 million through organised motor vehicle theft across Australia each year,” Ms Spence said.
“Last year, 9,729 vehicles were reported stolen in Queensland.
“Of these, 1,624 were never recovered.
“Police estimate about one third of them are ‘re-birthed’ or dismantled for parts.”
Ms Spence said today’s ministerial meeting was told the cost to microdot cars during assembly would be around $10 - $20 per vehicle.
“Some vehicle importers already complete this task at the Fisherman Island complex at the Port of Brisbane at the cost of around $60 - $80 per car,” Ms Spence said.
“Either way, this would seem a much cheaper option than installing a car alarm or even an immobiliser.”
Ms Spence said today’s Police Ministers’ meeting gave support to the idea, and will now seek the backing from Transport Ministers.
Today’s meeting also gave support to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council for its efforts to engage local Australian manufacturers in trialling whole of vehicle marking technology.
Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
Ms Spence gave the proposal for micro-dot marking vehicles her support at today’s Australasian Police Minister’s Council meeting in Adelaide.
“This is about bringing in ‘whole of vehicle marking’, where new cars have several thousand microdots applied to every part of the vehicle during their production,” Ms Spence said.
“These dots can only be viewed through an ultra-violet light, and make it harder for organised crime groups and thieves to re-identify vehicles for sale, or to dismantle them and sell-off parts.
“The volume of the microdots applied makes it very difficult for thieves to remove all of the markings, and much easier for police to track stolen vehicles or parts.”
Ms Spence said while car theft rates were continuing to drop in Queensland, it remained a crime with huge costs to the community, and required a considerable policing response.
“It is estimated that criminals net around $500 million through organised motor vehicle theft across Australia each year,” Ms Spence said.
“Last year, 9,729 vehicles were reported stolen in Queensland.
“Of these, 1,624 were never recovered.
“Police estimate about one third of them are ‘re-birthed’ or dismantled for parts.”
Ms Spence said today’s ministerial meeting was told the cost to microdot cars during assembly would be around $10 - $20 per vehicle.
“Some vehicle importers already complete this task at the Fisherman Island complex at the Port of Brisbane at the cost of around $60 - $80 per car,” Ms Spence said.
“Either way, this would seem a much cheaper option than installing a car alarm or even an immobiliser.”
Ms Spence said today’s Police Ministers’ meeting gave support to the idea, and will now seek the backing from Transport Ministers.
Today’s meeting also gave support to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council for its efforts to engage local Australian manufacturers in trialling whole of vehicle marking technology.
Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287