Belfast car crime figures slashed as police team reaps success

Car crime in Greater Belfast has been slashed by 50% in the past three years.

The statistic emerged as the police service’s Auto Crime Team made its 500th arrest during an operation in west Belfast.

The team was set up two years ago to tackle the epidemic of car thefts in the city.

The latest arrest in the Andersonstown area was part of Operation Mizen, one of an ongoing series of regular operations aimed at catching car thieves.

The Dunmurry-based unit was backed by a support team from New Barnsley Station, members of the roads policing unit, officers from Dunmurry and special air support.

One man was arrested for dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit. In another incident a stolen car was recovered but the occupants fled the scene.

Chief Inspector Peter Farrar of the auto crime team described the reduction in vehicle theft as an excellent achievement but said there was more work to be done.

“The success of these operations and the reduction of car crime has come about not only through the auto crime team but also through excellent support from within the community and with the assistance of groups including Families Bereaved through Car Crime and the Impact Project.

“While there are still victims of car crime, much still remains to be done,” he added.

Three years ago the number of cars stolen in Greater Belfast was around 4,000. Last year the figure had been cut to around 2,000.

New powers introduced on July 14, which allow officers to arrest people driving whilst disqualified, are expected to help the effort against the criminals.

Further powers of arrest for dangerous driving are expected to come into effect in the autumn.

Since January 1, 2001, a total of 320 police officers have been injured in road collisions involving stolen vehicles.

Of those, 24 had be retired on medical grounds.