Changes to car immobilizer scheme will deter thieves and help car owners [Audio]

8/9/98

Changes to the State Government's car immobilizer scheme would make it harder for thieves to steal vehicles and give car owners more in their hip pocket, Police Minister Kevin Prince said.

"Under the changes we are providing an added incentive to motorists by extending the subsidy received for fitting an immobilizer from $30 to $40," he said.

"What this will mean is the cost for an approved immobilizer will come down to as little as $79.

"Already there have been 48,000 vehicles fitted with an immobilizer and the Police Service tells me that not one car with an immobilizer fitted and activated has been stolen.

"That alone is great encouragement for car owners to have one fitted.

"Compulsory immobilizers are a significant step towards reducing car theft because currently there are still more than 600,000 unprotected vehicles in Western Australia."

The immobilizer subsidy scheme will also be extended to cover business vehicles, expanding the subsidy scheme to another 300,000 vehicles.

Mr Prince said there would be other benefits from installing immobilizers including possible reduced insurance premiums and a reduction in the number of high speed police chases that end in tragedy.

He said Transport Minister Murray Criddle would introduce changes to the Road Traffic Act 1974 in the Upper House today to make it compulsory for every vehicle to have an immobilizer fitted before it could be licensed or transferred.

As soon as the changes were in place the new $40 subsidy would apply.

Mr Prince said there were about 120,000 vehicle transfers a year and an audit system would be developed to ensure compliance, including inspections with penalties for false declarations.

The regulations were likely to exempt vintage or veteran vehicles, some emergency vehicles and vehicles essentially used off-road.

Relevant organisations such as police and the Motor Trades Association would be consulted in the process of developing the new regulations.

"Compulsory fitting of immobilisers prior to initial registration of a vehicle or on transfer is certain to lead to a dramatic reduction in car theft," he said.

"Stolen cars are invariably involved in high speed police pursuits which expose the community to risk of damage, injury or death."

The immobilizer plan is part of the State Government's Safer WA campaign to cut crime.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9481 2133