THE BEN is pleased and proud to sponsor the important re-launch of the "25 Scheme" - an attempt to help police combat the rising tide of car Crime.

As our report today reveals, last year in Bolton 7,636 motorists reported their cars stolen, or broken into. Anyone who has been a victim of such theft or vandalism knows the misery and inconvenience it brings.

Under the "25 scheme", all members are issued with bright yellow triangular stickers to display which indicate the vehicle should only be driven by a person aged over 25. As it is believed that 80 per cent of car crime is committed by thieves under the age of 25, the scheme should prove highly effective. Police throughout the country will challenge drivers who look under the age of 25 in cars carrying the stickers.

Proceeds from the scheme will be used by Bolton Crime Prevention Panel to fund local crime prevention initiatives.

We feel so strongly about the value of the scheme, that we are making the stickers, which cost only £1 for two, available from our Churchgate offices.

We hope other local business and organisations will join us in fighting car crime.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.