Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Thursday, 7 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 June 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 14 June 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Vehicle Crime Reduction Team

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the likely effect that the decision to close the Vehicle Crime Reduction team will have upon rates of theft of (a) motorcycles and (b) motorcycle parts; and if he will make a statement;

Answer: The decision to wind down the Home Office Vehicle Crime Reduction Team was taken as part of the Home Office Reform Programme and in the context of developing a new strategic approach to crime reduction.We do not believe the decision to wind down the Home Office team will have an adverse impact on the theft rates of motorcycles or motorcycle parts. Front-line practitioners are experienced in implementing initiatives to deal with vehicle crime, including thefts of motorcycles. This includes providing relevant crime prevention advice and making use of the Motor Salvage (Operators) Regulations 2002 to drive criminals out of the motor salvage industry to prevent vehicles, including motorcycles, being stolen for their parts.Performance management arrangements will ensure that the significant gains made to date in this area are sustained.

Secondary information