RUSI convenes round table on UK vehicle theft and organised crime

RUSI hosted a diverse range of law enforcement officials, private sector representatives and academics at its 61 Whitehall headquarters to discuss the contemporary threat posed by vehicle theft and potential solutions designed to improve cross-sector responses.

The round table, which was chaired by RUSI Research Fellow Elijah Glantz, began with analysis of the recent evolution of this crime type before turning to an exploration of possible responses from the wide range of stakeholders affected by recent increases in the number of vehicles stolen in the UK.

The inter-agency, cross-sector dialogue focused on themes including the differences between vehicle theft today and similar crimes recorded during previous decades, the international smuggling of stolen cars and their parts and the need for an holistic response that can be implemented given the broader context in which UK law enforcement faces significant resource constraints.

Step in the right direction 

Reflecting on the importance of the round table, Elijah Glantz noted: “The discussions represented another step in the right direction in the response against organised vehicle theft in the UK. Amid public -sector resource challenges and siloed working, the cross-sector discourse enabled conversations to focus on cost-effective, sustainable and strategic responses to the threat.”

The findings and recommendations from this lively and informed discussion will contribute towards RUSI’s upcoming report on vehicle theft in the UK, which is expected to be published in the first half of this year.

RUSI’s Organised Crime and Policing-focused research group aims to deliver high-quality and meaningful research, policy and capacity-building activities on crime, policing and environmental and climate security, including where they intersect. The group’s work seeks to stimulate dialogue and support positive change in efforts by Governments, civil society and the private sector to combat organised crime, corruption, police violence and environmental harms.

*Further information is available online at www.rusi.org