A new report from the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) investigation of police forces has reported that car crime is being far less stringently dealt with than before, with more and more crime-reporting and administrative functions being out-sourced. The report found that victims of car crime were being asked questions by call-handlers in order to assess the likelihood of their crime being solved. The UK vehicle rental industry currently suffers an estimated 1,500 vehicle thefts each year.æ The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has even developed its own Stolen Vehicle Reporting Guidelines to try and help members report thefts and ensure that the police are provided with accurate evidence and information. The Association of Chief Police Officers and forces up and down the country have been made aware of the new information, but it continues to slip through the cracks. Gerry Keaney, the BVRLA chief executive, said: 'Vehicle theft or fraud is one of the biggest problems facing the rental industry, but our members are largely being left to fend for themselves,î 'We need police forces to take cases of vehicle crime seriously and adopt a much more 'joined-up' approach to working with other constabularies.î 'Rental companies are not time-wasters _ they know when a vehicle has been stolen and are prepared to work closely with police to solve these crimes.î
