Auto theft investigators' conference to address issue of rising car crime

The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) UK says that its annual conference will focus on reversing a recent increase in car crime and mitigating the loss of specialist police Stolen Vehicle Units (SVUs).

IAATI is a global organisation for professionals involved in the prevention and detection of vehicle crime. It promotes a collaborative approach involving law enforcement agencies, including AVCIS and Interpol, and private sector companies. 

Justin Powell, IAATI UK president, said: “Vehicle thefts are already increasing and the inevitable result of cutting more SVUs will be a widening of the gaps in police knowledge and skills. In short, the wheels will come off. 

“Whether we are talking about the targeting of modern classics, such as Ford Escorts and Land Rover Defenders, or tech-savvy criminals using electronic compromise to steal cars worth hundreds of thousands of pounds each, it usually involves organised criminal gangs. 

“Vehicle crime, as well as being a problem in itself, is also a key enabler of other serious crimes, including terrorism. It is therefore imperative to keep up the pressure on these networks. IAATI promotes joined up thinking, a partnership approach, between law enforcement and the private sector, which is essential in tackling all areas of vehicle crime across the globe.”

The 2016 IAATI National Vehicle Crime Conference, which takes place in Loughborough on 8-9 June, will feature speakers from City of London Police, Jaguar Land Rover, Leicestershire Police, National Crime Agency, Port of Tilbury Police, Thatcham and West Midlands Police. 

Subjects being discussed include: the evolution of vehicle crime, the current face of vehicle crime, keyless thefts, smuggling arms and drugs, cash for crash, GPS jammers and stealing cars for export.