### Car Theft in Jersey: A Unique Solution Jersey, a small Channel Island off the coast of France, has been hit by a sharp rise in car thefts, particularly among young people who are not yet qualified to drive. In an effort to curb this trend, the Jersey police have implemented an unusual solution: stealing car keys to prevent vehicles from being stolen. According to a report by Bailiwick Express, the States of Jersey Police have taken this step as part of what they call 'Operation Handle'. ### The Problem of Joyriding The problem of car theft in Jersey has been on the rise, with 20 vehicles reported stolen so far in 2026, twice as many as this time last year. The majority of these thefts involve young people who are not yet licensed drivers. They take advantage of unlocked cars with keys inside, making them easy targets. Chief Inspector ...
### Car Theft in Jersey: A Unique Solution
Jersey, a small Channel Island off the coast of France, has been hit by a sharp rise in car thefts, particularly among young people who are not yet qualified to drive. In an effort to curb this trend, the Jersey police have implemented an unusual solution: stealing car keys to prevent vehicles from being stolen. According to a report by Bailiwick Express, the States of Jersey Police have taken this step as part of what they call ‘Operation Handle’.
### The Problem of Joyriding
The problem of car theft in Jersey has been on the rise, with 20 vehicles reported stolen so far in 2026, twice as many as this time last year. The majority of these thefts involve young people who are not yet licensed drivers. They take advantage of unlocked cars with keys inside, making them easy targets. Chief Inspector Craig Jackson believes that these crimes are completely preventable and that the young people involved are simply opportunistic.
### Operation Handle
As part of Operation Handle, the police will check for unlocked cars and remove the keys if they find one. The owner will then be contacted, and the keys will be returned, along with an education on the risks involved with leaving them in an unlocked vehicle. Jackson emphasizes that complacency among car owners is the biggest risk factor in these thefts.
### Safety Concerns
The theft of a car is not just a financial loss; it also poses a significant safety risk, especially when young, unlicensed drivers get behind the wheel. The police are taking a proactive approach to prevent these incidents and educate car owners on the importance of securing their vehicles.
### Conclusion
Jersey’s unique solution to the car theft problem is a step in the right direction. By taking a proactive approach and educating car owners, the police hope to reduce the number of thefts and keep the island safe. As Chief Inspector Jackson says, “These crimes are completely preventable, and these young people aren’t going out with specific tools to do the job; they are simply opportunist[ic]”.
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