Fighting tyre crime
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• Motor vehicle tyre theft costs the industry upwards of £20m a year, according to the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA).
This figure represents the total loss combining both car and CV tyres and, although the NTDA is unable to provide a breakdown, truck tyres are thought to represent a significant proportion.
Crime of this sort is last becoming a well organised business. Tyres are often untraceable after theft which is one of the reasons why the current 'clear up' rate is running at only 9%.
Gangs are ram-raiding tyre depots, stealing complete vehicles loaded with new tyres and even entering premises via the sewers. Recently one CV tyre supplier in Bristol was raided six times in 48 hours.
In an attempt to stem the flow the NTDA has launched a Tyre Watch scheme with the backing of insurers General Accident. The system involves information gathering and close liaison with police Criminal Intelligence Service Offices throughout the UK—something which has never before been possible.
The idea is that with such 'pooled' information the police will be better able to tackle organised tyre crime on a co-ordi
nated, national basis. The NTDA has set up a totally confidential Tyre Watch Crime Line and all members are being encouraged to report any suspicious activity or cut-price deals being offered.
Cash rewards amounting to 10% of the value of property recovered are being offered. The confidential Tyre Watch crime line telephone number is 071-565 1122. NTDA director Richard Ecly says: "We have a major opportunity to help tackle the crime wave which appears to be endemic throughout our industry, and I would urge all responsible individuals to join us in making this campaign a turning point in the fight against tyre crime."