Driving law changes could see huge drop in car theft despite fears police may 'struggle'

Experts have called on Labour to introduce new rules to crack down on the use of jamming devices used by criminals to steal new cars. Labour has launched a call for evidence on launching new laws against the possession of radiofrequency jammers and developing a legal framework. The call for evidence aims to hear from drivers and organisations on the harms caused by the illegal use and possession of radiofrequency jammers. It questions how effective current laws and enforcement are in terms of deterrence, in addition to what changes need to be made. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the evidence will help to inform policy development in the future. Stolen vehicle recovery expert Tracker Network has voiced its support for the call for evidence to crack down on criminals targeting vehicles. These signal jammers can be used to interfere with a vehicle's onboard GPS tracking signal, making it much harder for the police to recover the vehicle. At present, the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 requires the police to have evidence of a jammer being used to interfere with a vehicle before they can be arrested. However, under the new proposals, the police would be able to arrest people who have a GPS signal jammer in their possession. Tracker notes that police could crack down on the crime by entering a premises without the need for a warrant, even in the absence of evidence that the device has been used in a crime. Mark Rose, managing director of Tracker, said: "We are increasingly finding GPS jammers at recovery sites when we locate Tracker-activated stolen vehicles. "Whether these vehicles are hidden in containers, chop shops or even hidden in underground locations, police are able to track them using our technology. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Donald Trump launches fresh 25% tariffs on car imports in latest attack on European Union A1 closed: Serious collision causes long traffic delays after lorry 'left carriageway' on major road AI road cameras that can see inside cars catch 700 drivers in just one week "The legislation proposed by the UK Government will give frontline police more jurisdiction and have a significant positive impact on the scale of vehicle theft." Last year, Tracker and the UK police reported a 55 per cent increase in the total number of stolen vehicles recovered, with a total value of £41.3million. Tracker installs a discreet electronic homing device in cars, allowing a stolen vehicle to be recovered as quickly as possible. More than 2,000 police patrol vehicles and all police helicopters are fitted with Tracker detection units. Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker, stated: "Signal jamming and similar tools exploit the normal operation of wireless systems in ways that are often invisible and technically complex. "Without suitable training, officers could struggle to identify when these existing and emerging technologies have been used, understand how systems have been compromised, or gather the evidence needed to prosecute. "As criminal methods evolve alongside consumer technology, the NVCRP training programme will provide ongoing education and awareness in digital and electronic theft compromise systems." The call for evidence will end at 11.59pm on Friday, May 8, allowing drivers almost a week to have their say on the proposed changes. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Go to News Site