Attack testing new vehicles

The author describes how, as part of the initiative against car crime, The Home Office, Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB), is developing a security appraisal scheme for new motor cars. Its point of focus is immobilisation and its effectiveness. But because many security elements show dramatic weaknesses this appraisal scheme has been widened to include all security features and represents a whole car evaluation. It is probably the most satisfactory way to give the manufacturer an independent assessment of the thief resistance of a new car. This whole vehicle assessment strategy is broadly based: it covers the hurdles that a thief must overcome to steal the car and the resistance to theft of equipment fitted to the vehicle. Identification of the vehicle, or its parts by the police service, is also covered through vehicle identification number plates, glass etching and special markings. The first stage of a vehicle assessment is always a discussion with the manufacturer