AA Helps Stop Car Thieves in their Tracks

Media Release: August 27 2006

AA Helps Stop Car Thieves in their Tracks

The AA is launching AA Vehicle Security to help combat the rising number of car thefts and to reassure motorists their vehicles are unlikely to be targeted next.

“Last year alone over 22,000 vehicles were reported stolen, with another 50,000 vehicles broken into throughout New Zealand. On average that means every seven minutes a car is stolen or damaged somewhere in the country due to theft,” says Jack Biddle, AA’s Technical Advice Manager.

“Vehicle theft in all forms is on the increase, and with the launch of AA Vehicle Security we want to impose a strong deterrent that will help stop car thieves in their tracks. The AA recognises it has a responsibility to all motorists and wants to help Kiwis protect what is - for most, their second most valuable asset.”

Car theft is also an increasing issue for Insurance companies, costing them a staggering $130million a year. In turn, these costs also hit the consumers, either through first hand experience of car theft or through increasing premiums to cover the loss.

“Whilst common sense is a factor that must always be applied to car security we certainly support any initiative that will assist car owners to reduce the risk of theft and deter opportunistic thieves,” says Chris Curtin, General Manager of AA Insurance.

“As a driving nation, vehicles are valuable assets for most New Zealanders. While the fitting of a security system is never a guarantee, evidence suggests that systems like this can reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen. Insurance companies welcome anything that reduces the cost of claims as this will ultimately assist in keeping premiums lower for our customers,” says Mr Curtin.

AA Vehicle Security was established due to a partnership between the AA and Dynatron Security Systems, who have over 13 years of industry experience. An approved network of installers throughout the country ensures that each security system is fitted and will operate as it was designed.

Consumers need to be picky about the type of security their car has, as some systems act as nothing more than a deterrent, says Ron Campbell, Managing Director of Dynatron.

“With AA Vehicle Security we take it one step further giving motorists that peace of mind,” he says. AA Vehicle Security is a ‘state-of-the-art’ electronic vehicle immobiliser and alarm system. It comes stock standard with not just one, but two immobilisers – one for the ignition and one for the fuel pump to keep petrol thieves away,” he says.

Of the 70,000-plus vehicles that were broken into or stolen last year just 10.8% of these thefts were solved, meaning there is only a one-in-nine chance of someone every being charged.

“We can reassure motorists this is a trusted solution we have tried and tested personally, as the entire AA Roadservice fleet has been fitted with this security system for the past two years,” says the AA’s Jack Biddle.

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