The aim of this policy report is to provide well-researched policy recommendations on the issue of theft of and from motor vehicles, which will be constructed using the SARA model and will be based on research and academic studies. This issue will be dealt with using realistic and result based strategies with an organised methodology, which depends on positive partnerships between organisations and community members, and resources that will navigate its implementation, which will then be evaluated.
Part A: Nature of the Problem .
What is motor vehicle theft?.
A growing concern in relation to the lack of effort put towards preventing motor vehicle theft has left many panicking. While there are hotspots for this particular crime to occur, not all places are at risk and individuals should be notified if they live in areas with high rates of motor vehicle theft. Theft of and from motor vehicles can be conducted within a private or public place, and anybody who owns their vehicle is at risk of becoming a victim (Aic.gov.au, n.d.). Theft of motor vehicles is the stealing of the vehicle itself (Police.vic.gov.au, 2007). Theft from a motor vehicle includes the intentional and unlawful removal of items included on or inside the vehicle (Police.vic.gov.au, 2007). .
Rates of Motor Vehicle Theft.
There were over 14,000 cases of motor vehicle theft in Victoria in 2014-15, representing a 5.6 per cent increase since 2013-14, at a rate of 3.03 vehicles for every 1000 registered vehicles, an increase of 0.11 from 2013-14 (Bath, 2016). In Darebin there was a total of 521 thefts of and from motor vehicles at a rate of 3.55 vehicles for every 1000 registered vehicles in 2013-14, compared to 371 thefts at a rate of 2.56 in 2012-13 (National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction, 2014, p33). These rates however, do not include the dark figure of crime, which refers to crimes that go unreported or undiscovered (Abs.gov.au, 2011). Crimes that are likely to not be reported include small items that may have had little value and items that cannot be claimed through insurance.
