Launch of $18 million motor vehicle immobiliser scheme

12/4/97

A red flashing light will be the symbol of an extensive State-wide campaign to stop car theft in Western Australia.

Launching the State Government's $18 million motor vehicle immobiliser scheme, Mr Day said the red flashing light - which symbolised a vehicle immobiliser - would remind car owners to take action and install the effective anti-theft device.

"The red light means stop, this car is protected, and the onus will now rest with car owners not to be complacent, but to join a community-based crusade to stamp out car theft," he said.

"With more than 17,500 vehicles stolen last year - at a total cost of more than $100 million - car theft is of great concern to all Western Australians.

"It is not only the financial hardship of losing a major asset, but there is the tragedy of young people and innocent bystanders being killed or injured in crashes."

Under the State Government's subsidy scheme - the first of its kind in Australia - motorists will automatically receive a $30 subsidy only if they have an approved immobiliser, which has been tested and authorised by the RAC, installed in their private family car.

Only the approved immobilisers - which retail from approximately $129 - are eligible for the $30 subsidy which the State Government began paying from March 1.

Mr Day said motorists claiming the rebate must have an approved immobiliser fitted by an installer who had been authorised by the Insurance Council of Australia and vetted by the WA Police.

"By spending less than $100 and half an hour in a workshop, WA motorists will be helping to protect a very valuable asset and helping to cut a significant crime problem," he said.

"Most cars stolen by young thieves are used for joy riding and often become involved in other crimes, such as high-speed chases and ram-raid robberies."

Mr Day said the $18 million subsidy scheme - which is a partnership between the Government, police and the Insurance Council of Australia - planned to assist more than 600,000 WA motorists over the next three years.

Authorised immobiliser installers were required to meet stringent criteria which included a police clearance certificate. The Insurance Council had identified more than 40 authorised companies with installers in the metropolitan area and regional centres in Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Karratha.

Mr Day said the campaign would involve different Government agencies and one program between the Department of Transport, police and the Insurance Council would target owners of vehicles in the 'high risk' category of being stolen.

"Letters will be sent to these people encouraging them to do their bit by installing an immobiliser, because it is only through a united effort by the community that car theft will be stopped," he said.

The Minister said the extensive 'red light' promotion campaign on the subsidy scheme would feature prominently on television, radio and newspaper advertisements.

"The red light will be seen on buses, billboards, badges and even at the football," he said.

"I encourage everyone to join this campaign and use this positive sign in the ongoing war against car theft."

Mr Day said that over the next few weeks crime prevention officers would reiterate the campaign message throughout the State's major centres.

"As with any major crime prevention initiative police can not do the job alone and success can only be achieved in active partnership with the community," he said.

Media contact: Mark Thompson 322 2311