“Car Thefts Down As A Result of Under-25 Stickers”

Media Release Young Nationals

For Immediate Release

7 April 2000

Young Nationals Chairperson Daniel Gordon today said that the under 25 sticker scheme in Christchurch ought to be judged on its merits, not on alarmist claims about it "discriminating" against young people.

· The fact is that 842 fewer cars were stolen in the 13 months to October 1999 than in the same period in 1998. · This year, of the 39 offenders arrested for car conversion, 35 were under the age of 17.

“There is obviously a link between the introduction of the scheme, and the drop in car theft. This should be applauded. It is both innovative, and shows that pragmatism delivers results. I am looking forward to a continued reduction in theft as the scheme becomes more popular,” said Daniel Gordon.

“I am also pleased that Police Minister George Hawkins has supported the scheme, and that there has been cross party support from both Labour and National for the initiative. I would urge the Police to consider introducing the scheme to other centres. We know that in Auckland, for example, 90 per cent of car thieves are under 25. A scheme such as this is an excellent way to deter a potential theft.”

“Car owners and members of the public support the scheme. Hundreds of people have been collecting stickers from Police stations, and over 50,000 stickers have been issued so far. There is a demand for more to be produced,” said Daniel Gordon.

“The arguments coming from the overly sensitive politically-correct brigade do not stack up. If we follow their arguments, driver licences should be issued to anyone regardless of age - otherwise that too discriminates on the basis of age.”

“The arguments are fundamentally flawed. Should we not have driving tests for over-80 year olds because that too discriminates on the basis of age? Should you be able to get a licence if you are 10 years old, rather than wait until you are 15? All of these could be said to discriminate against people on the basis of age, yet we have not heard the opponents of the under-25 scheme complaining about this,” said Daniel Gordon.

“It is going to be most interesting to see what happens with the case being taken to the Human Rights Commission. We will be waiting with great interest to see what evidence the Yellow Triangle Prevention Project has that under 25 year olds are worse off as a result of this scheme.”

“We are considering lodging a letter in support of the initiative to the Human Rights Commission.”

“The fact is that if you are not stealing a car, you have absolutely nothing to worry about,” concluded Daniel Gordon.

Ends

For further information contact Daniel Gordon on 021 229 6812

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