Drivers worried car CRIME WILL ROCKET AT CHRISTMAS as the country falls into recession and unemployment rises

A new survey commissioned by Autoglass® has found 60% drivers in the North West are scared car crime will rocket in the run up to Christmas, as the country falls into recession and unemployment rises.  With 32% of motorists in the North West having had valuable items stolen from the front seats or in the boot, Christmas shopping and gifts could make easy pickings for thieves looking to do a quick smash and grab. 

Drivers are more worried about car crime depending on where they live.  The survey has identified regional hotspots with drivers in Wales (64%) and the North East (63%) being the most anxious about a surge in vehicle crime.  Motorists in the East Midlands (54%) are the least worried.

And motorists are not alone in their concerns.  According to a leaked document, the Home Office is already bracing itself for an increase in crime during the economic slowdown¹ as the Prime Minister admits we face recession and the National Institute for Economic and Social Research predicts the jobless total will reach 2 million by Christmas.  With official statistics showing car crime rising and peaking around the last recession in 1990-92, spiking at 4.3m² in 1993 compared to 1.6m³ today, drivers’ fears of a Christmas, or indeed longer term credit-crunch-car-crimewave, could be well founded.

This research supports the current crime figures, which are at record lows, with only 1 in 10 motorists saying they have experienced vehicle crime in the last 12 months.  However of these only 17% claimed on their insurance policy, suggesting more than 80% are footing the bill themselves.  The key items still being stolen are sat navs, mobile phones, ipods and CDs – perfect targets for thieves as the country’s credit crunch deepens, as they are easy to grab, hide and then sell on.

Reformed car thief Richard Taylor is an associate pastor at the Renewal Christian Centre in Birmingham and a presenter on BBC’s ‘To Catch a Thief’.  He said:- “During the last recession stealing from cars was an easy way to make a bit of money.  These days of course, cars are much harder to break into, so smash and grab is very much the order of the day.  Christmas is a time of year when thieves might want to make a bit extra, so motorists need to be even more vigilant to ensure their cars are not an easy target for someone looking to make a fast few quid.”

To help stop this potential rise in crime Autoglass® is advising motorists to remember to remove all valuables and personal possessions when they leave their vehicles, especially with Christmas just a few weeks away.  Nigel Doggett, the company’s managing director, said:- “Vehicle crime is now at its lowest levels since the British Crime Survey began recording results in 1981 and by reminding motorists to take sensible precautions when leaving their vehicle we hope not to mirror the increases during the last recession.  Christmas is a time when drivers can help make their car less attractive to a thief looking to do a quick smash and grab by ensuring that no shopping bags and valuables, or evidence of valuables, are in view.  If all personal possessions are removed from the car then in the event of a break in, there is very little for the thief to steal.”

Car Crime Worry League: Who’s most worried?

1.  Wales
2.  North East
3.  East Anglia
4.  North West
5.  West Midlands
6.  Yorkshire & Humberside = South West
7.  Scotland
8.  South East
9.  London
10.  East Midlands

For more information visit www.autoglassnews.co.uk.

CALLING ALL BRILLIANT YOUNG CHEFS FROM MERSEYSIDE!

BUDDING Ramsays, Blumenthals and Pierre Whites from Merseyside are being urged to roll up their sleeves and enter the race to become the hottest culinary property in the North West.

Organisers of North West Young Chef of the Year 2009 want to hear from 18 to 25 year olds who feel they have both the drive and brilliance to outshine other talented contenders in a county heat and go on to compete for the coveted regional title.

As well as seeing their name up in lights, the overall champ will win a week long bursary in a top European restaurant, and a weekend for two at a luxury hotel and a set of Global knives. 

To enter, chefs need to be able to cook a 3 course meal for 2 using local North West produce costing up to £25.  Crucially, they must possess both the passion and flair to impress a scrupulous judging panel made up of regional masters of the trade.

Competition chairman and judge, British Masterchef Brian Mellor, encouraged Merseyside’s young chefs to enter February’s county heat, while head chefs should come forward to sign up promising protégés across the hospitality industry.  “North West Young Chef of the Year is open to everyone involved in the catering trade, whether you are a college trainee, pub or hotel chef, restaurant apprentice or canteen cook.  You just need the drive and determination. 

If you want to know what’s in for you, the list is endless.  By entering, you increase your chances of achieving long term goals and have the golden opportunity to demonstrate skills to a professional audience and get invaluable feedback, while it is also a fantastic opportunity for you to meet and build relationships with peers and experience the nerve wracking thrill of competing.  So come on, let’s find out what our talented youngsters can do!”

5 county heats will take place in Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside between now and February, with each county finalist winning a week’s work experience at one of the best restaurants in the North West.

The competition, sponsored by Essential Cuisine, will climax in a dramatic live cook-off in front of regional producers, food writers, radio and newspaper media and top chefs in March.

North West Young Chef of the Year 2008 Simon Salt is a shining example of where the competition can take you.

Now a Senior Chef de Partie in a Michelin-starred kitchen, the 24 year old is flying high.  “Competition is really healthy and to be able to benchmark yourself against your peers is absolutely invaluable.

The victory gave me the confidence to take my career to the next level and I would recommend all young chefs to go for it.”

Merseyside’s county heat takes place on Monday, February 9 at Liverpool Community College. 

If you think you have what it takes or would like more information, call 0870 050 1133 or visit www.essentialcuisine.com and click on the North West Young Chef of the Year link. 

Online entries must be received by Friday, 16 January 2009.