Car crime in Greater Belfast has been slashed by 50 per cent in the past three years, it was revealed today.
The statistic emerged as the police service's Auto Crime Team made its 500th arrest during an operation in west Belfast.
The team was set up two years ago to tackle the epidemic of car thefts in the city.
Three years ago the number of cars stolen in Greater Belfast was around 4,000. Last year the figure had been cut to around 2,000.
New powers introduced on July 14th, which allow officers to arrest people driving whilst disqualified, are expected to help the effort against the criminals.
Further powers of arrest for dangerous driving are expected to come into effect in the autumn.
Since January 1st, 2001, a total of 320 police officers have been injured in road collisions involving stolen vehicles.
Of those, 24 had be retired on medical grounds.
