An estimated 1,2 million motor vehicles are stolen each year in the Member States of the European Union.

These thefts involve considerable damage amounting to at least EUR 15 billion per year.

A large proportion of these vehicles, estimated at 30 to 40 %, are stolen by organised crime and then converted and exported to other States within and outside the European Union.

Besides causing material damage, this is also seriously damaging to citizens' sense of justice and feeling of security. Vehicle crime may be accompanied by serious forms of violence.

Consequently, attainment of the objective in Article 29 of the Treaty, to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice, is hampered.

The Council has adopted a Resolution of 27 May 1999 on combating international crime with fuller cover of the routes used1.

Vehicle crime may also be linked internationally to other forms of crime, such as trafficking in drugs, firearms and human beings.

Tackling vehicle crime is a matter for the law enforcement agencies of the Member States. However, a common approach involving — wherever practicable and necessary — cooperation between the Member States and law enforcement authorities of the Member States is necessary and proportional in order to address the cross-border aspects of this form of crime.

Cooperation between law enforcement authorities and vehicle registration authorities is of particular importance, as is the provision of information to the relevant parties.

Cooperation with Europol is equally important as Europol can provide analyses and reports on the matter.

The European Police College offers police forces in the Member States, via the European Police Learning Net (EPLN), a library function in the field of vehicle crime for consulting information and expertise. Via its discussion function, EPLN also provides the possibility of exchanging knowledge and experience.

The fight against vehicle crime will be intensified by an increase in the number of Member States acceding to the Treaty concerning a European Vehicle and Driving Licence Information System (EUCARIS) of 29 June 2000.

A number of specific measures will need to be taken if vehicle crime with an international dimension is to be combated effectively,