L 389/28 Official Journal of the European Union 30.12.2004 COUNCIL DECISION of 22 December 2004 on tackling vehicle crime with cross-border implications (2004/919[EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 30(1)(a) and Article 34(2)(c) thereof, Having regard to the initiative of the Kingdom of the Ne- therlands, Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament, Whereas: An estimated 1,2 million motor vehicles are stolen each year in the Member States of the European Union. These thefts involve considerable damage amounting to at least EUR 15 billion per year. A large proportion of these vehicles, estimated at 30 to 40 %, are stolen by organised crime and then converted and exported to other States within and outside the European Union. Besides causing material damage, this is also seriously damaging to citizens' sense of justice and feeling of security. Vehicle crime may be accompanied by serious forms of violence. Consequently, attainment of the objective in Article 29 of the Treaty, to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice, is hampered. The Council has adopted a Resolution of 27 May 1999 on combating international crime with fuller cover of the routes used (1). Vehicle crime may also be linked internationally to other forms of crime, such as trafficking in drugs, firearms and human beings. () O] C 162, 9.6.1999, p. 1. ®) (10) (11) (12) Tackling vehicle crime is a matter for the law enfor- cement agencies of the Member States. However, a common approach involving — wherever practicable and necessary — cooperation between the Member States and law enforcement authorities of the Member States is necessary and proportional in order to address the cross-border aspects of this form of crime. Cooperation between law enforcement authorities and vehicle registration authorities is of particular importance, as is the provision of information to the relevant parties. Cooperation with Europol is equally important as Europol can provide analyses and reports on the matter. The European Police College offers police forces in the Member States, via the European Police Learning Net (EPLN), a library function in the field of vehicle crime for consulting information and expertise. Via its discussion function, EPLN also provides the possibility of exchanging knowledge and experience. The fight against vehicle crime will be intensified by an increase in the number of Member States acceding to the Treaty concerning a European Vehicle and Driving Licence Information System (EUCARIS) of 29 June 2000. A number of specific measures will need to be taken if vehicle crime with an international dimension is to be combated effectively, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Definitions For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions apply: 1. “Vehicle’ shall mean any motor vehicle, trailer or caravan as defined in the provisions relating to the Schengen Infor- mation System (SIS). 2. ‘National competent authorities’ shall mean any national authorities designated by the Member States for the purposes of this Decision, and may include, as appropriate, police, customs, border guards and judicial authorities.