1/10/03
Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts today launched an innovative program to stop young people becoming repeat car thieves.
Mrs Roberts said Mission Australia would be operating the $500,000 U-Turn Training Program, the first of its kind in Western Australia.
"U-Turn aims to break the re-offending cycle of young people who have become involved in activities and habits that lead them back to offending," she said.
"Our Government is committed to developing innovative crime-fighting programs, like U-turn, which do play an important role in making our communities safe and secure."
Mrs Roberts said Mission Australia had a proven track record in helping young people lead more productive lives. During the 10-week program, the young offenders would not only be involved in automotive education but also assisted with their literary skills, given links to employment opportunities, work experience, education and counselling services.
Eligible participants could also get support to obtain a learner's permit or driver's licence.
Mrs Roberts said over the past two years there had been a major decrease in car theft in WA.
"Under our Government there has been a significant drop in motor vehicle theft - and for the first time in many years WA is now below the national average, which is a significant achievement," she said.
"Despite this pleasing downward trend car theft still has a huge impact on the wider community, with more than 11,000 recorded incidents in 2001-2002.
"Car theft is also very common crime for juvenile offenders to have on their record.
"Preventing young offenders from stealing cars will not be stopped with a single solution, rather the answer lies in developing new programs and initiatives to tackle this crime."
Mrs Roberts said the 24-month program, which was currently being trialled in other States, would take up to 10 participants in each of the eight scheduled courses.
The pilot program is a joint partnership with the Office of Crime Prevention, the Commonwealth Government and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
