Yellow Triangle Prevention Project

Media Statement September 28th 2000

PROJECT PRAISES WELLINGTON’S REJECTION OF SCHEME

The Yellow Triangle Prevention Project, a New Zealand wide opposition group to the Under 25 Scheme, has praised the Wellington Police’s decision not to introduce the controversial Scheme in Wellington. The Wellington Police have rejected the Scheme because of its ineffectiveness at night when most cars are stolen.

Senior Constable John Goddard of the Wellington Police has been quoted in the City Voice (September 14th 2000) as stating: “Most car thefts in Wellington occur over night when the yellow stickers would not be visible, so it would be no use here”

The Yellow Triangle Prevention Project believes that the decision contradicts the Christchurch Police’s claims that the Scheme has been successful in reducing car theft. The Project believes there have been other factors why the Scheme has not worked and which have led to a reduction in car theft in Christchurch. Those factors include:

· the police have openly admitted that they have done “no formal evaluation” of the Scheme

· car theft in Canterbury has been on the decline over the past five years

· the stickers are practically invisible at night when most cars are likely to be stolen

· young people’s cars are more likely to be the makes and models which are stolen

· the establishment of a car theft unit in the police

· the establishment of three city council / police youth workers who work with high level young offenders

· a bust of a major car theft ring in Christchurch

Yani Johanson, Project coordinator:
“The Christchurch Police have deliberately misled the New Zealand public into thinking the scheme has been a success. The reality is that there is no evidence to suggest that it has stopped car theft. I praise the Wellington Police for acknowledging that the Scheme is ineffective. I also call on other Police departments throughout New Zealand to do the same and reject the Under 25 Scheme.”

ends

© Scoop Media