Find out what steps you can take to ensure a vehicle isn’t a cut and shut, and how to report one.

Cut and shuts are the most hazardous of all kinds of vehicle fraud. A cut and shut is where the remains of two or more cars have been welded together to create a 'new' vehicle.

The remains that are welded together are likely to be write-offs. For example, a vehicle with a front-end impact could see its rear being welded to a vehicle that has been rear-ended. The resulting vehicle is then resprayed and 'tarted up' to look like a genuine vehicle.

A cut and shut is where the remains of two or more cars have been welded together to create a 'new' vehicle.

As criminals will carry out the work, you can expect the welding work to be sub-standard. This practise means that the structural integrity of the vehicle is seriously compromised which can lead to serious injury or death in the event of an accident.

It can often be difficult to spot a cut and shut, so you should look very carefully.

• Examine around the windscreen pillars and the middle section of the car, as this is where vehicles are commonly welded. If there is evidence of serious repair work, be suspicious.
• Look for paint colours that don't match properly - particularly on the bonnet, doors and boot lid
• Check for overspray on glass seals and trim
• Watch out for badly fitting or mismatched trim inside the car

It is a very good idea to invest in a vehicle inspection. Inspectors will look over the vehicle and will be quickly spot a cut and shut. For more information read our vehicle inspection FAQs.

If you suspect that your vehicle is a cut and shut, contact the police immediately. Keeping hold of it or trying to sell it on could leave you facing criminal charges - and you run the risk of driving a very unsafe vehicle.

If you have viewed a vehicle which you believe is a cut and shut, contact Trading Standards (in the case of a dealer sale) and the police immediately.