The Engine Immobiliser: A Non-starter for Car Thieves

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: van Ours, Jan C.; Vollaard, Ben
• 署名单位: Tilburg University; University of Melbourne; Center for Economic & Policy Research (CEPR); Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut; Tilburg University
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1111/ecoj.12196
• 发表日期: 2016
• 页码: 1264-1291
• 关键词: private protection; crime; externalities; deterrence; experience; demand; theft

摘要

We provide evidence for a beneficial welfare impact of a policy targeted at strengthening victim precaution. Regulation made application of the electronic engine immobiliser mandatory for all new cars sold within the European Union. We exploit the regulation as source of exogenous variation in use of the anti-theft device. The device reduced car theft by an estimated 40%, accounting for both the protective effect on cars with the device and the displacement effect on cars without the device. Thirty-four cars need to be fitted with the device (at a per unit cost of 50euro) to avert one theft.