Council Decision of 22 December 2004 on tackling vehicle crime with cross-border implications

More than 1.2 million motor vehicles are stolen each year in the EU. A large proportion of these thefts (30 %-40 %) are linked to organised crime, with vehicles being converted and exported to other States within and outside the European Union. Attainment of the objective laid down in Article 29 of the EU Treaty, viz. to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice, is hampered by this situation. Tackling vehicle crime is a matter for the law enforcement agencies of the Member States. However, the EU wishes to address the cross-border aspects of this type of crime. The Council has, therefore, decided to improve cooperation within the EU with the aim of preventing and combating cross-border vehicle crime.

This Decision requires Member States to enhance mutual cooperation between national competent authorities, to facilitate procedures for a quick repatriation of vehicles seized by the national competent authorities, to designate a contact point for tackling cross-border vehicle crime and, whenever a vehicle is reported stolen, to enter it in the Schengen Information System (SIS) and, where possible, in Interpol's stolen motor vehicle database.