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Vehicle Crime Advice

How to avoid becoming a victimAuto Trader users, Bike Trader users and the police have informed us of a number of vehicle scams that they have recently experienced. We have looked at each scam and reveal how best to avoid it. To access our reports click on the drop down menu below.

We explain how to avoid being a victim of car crime in our advice podcast.

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If you receive any calls or emails you think are suspicious, email enquiries@autotrader.co.uk or call 0845 345 3450 between 8am and 10pm Monday, 8am and 9pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 5.30pm at weekends.

As time goes on, thieves find increasingly ingenious ways of stealing from the unsuspecting public. There is plenty that you can do to help yourself, much of it is common sense, so read on for our advice.

Always
Make sure all windows and your sunroof are properly closed, lock all doors and turn on any security devices you have when leaving your vehicle unattended. Take care when choosing a parking space, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time. Wherever possible, park in a busy, well-lit area.

Never
Leave cash, credit cards, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the vehicle. If this is unavoidable, make sure they are well hidden before you begin your journey - thieves often watch you parking. For more information on correct car prices, read our setting the price article.

Keys
Keep your keys on your person in a safe place at all times
Never leave them in the vehicle - even for short periods. Treat them as you would your cash or credit cards.
Make sure they are kept in a secure place when at home and work. Burglars often break into buildings to steal vehicle keys

Logbooks
Since the DVLA's campaign encouraging buyers to examine V5C logbooks carefully before handing over any money, vehicle documents are rapidly becoming a target for thieves. This is due to the fact that they will find it harder to sell the vehicle on without the logbook.

Always keep your logbook in a safe place, and be especially cautious when a potential buyer views your vehicle. If the logbook is stolen along with your vehicle, it can be difficult to prove or disprove ownership.

The DVLA has urged car buyers to check the serial number on the top right hand corner of the V5C registration certificate.

If it bears the prefix BG and falls within the range BG 9167501 to BG 9190500, the certificate may be stolen and the DVLA have advised motorists not to purchase the vehicle.

These certificates have a different background colour on the Notification of Permanent Export (V5C/4) tear off slip on the second page, which looks mauve on the front and pink on the reverse. On legitimate documents they should be mauve on both sides.

Indications are that there are several hundred of these stolen documents in circulation. These V5C certificates may be accompanying stolen vehicles which may also have had their identity changed to match that of a legitimate vehicle. They may also accompany stolen vehicles that are not cloned.

If you are offered a car with these certificate numbers should not purchase the vehicle and inform the police or contact the DVLA. The fraudulent forms will be discovered when a new owner tries to register the vehicle.

If members of the public wish to check whether a certificate is genuine, prior to the purchase of a vehicle, they should ring DVLA’s helpline on 0870 241 1878 or visit direct.gov.uk/motoring

Remember
If you see anything unusual or suspicious, call the police immediately. In an emergency dial 999.

Buying a car

If you’re buying a vehicle privately and it’s later identified as stolen you may have no right in law to its ownership. Follow out tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of car crime.

  • View the vehicle at the address shown on the registration document
  • Ask the seller for proof of identity - make sure the person selling the vehicle has the right to do so
  • Never buy a vehicle without a registration document even if the seller says it has been sent to the DVLA for changes
  • Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) corresponds with the number on the registration document. This number can usually be found on a metal plate under the bonnet
  • If the VIN plate has been removed, ask why
  • Ensure you get a landline number – not just a mobile number
  • Check the locks on the car and make sure they do not differ (thieves often change locks they have damaged)
  • Check the mileage reading corresponds with the service history and past owners
  • Check if the vehicle has been seriously damaged, recorded as stolen, or is subject to outstanding finance. Vehicle Check can run a used car data check for just £19.99 for one check or £24.99 for up to 5 checks
  • Be sure before you buy - if in doubt walk away

And remember to inform the DVLA of any changes in vehicle ownership, registration details or driver details.

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