Campaign drives home how buyers can spot a stolen car

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help car buyers avoid acquiring stolen vehicles, writes Paul Gosling.

The Home Office, the Association of British Insurers and the Greater Manchester Police have teamed up to explain that unless people make careful checks, they could end up with no car and no money.

Motorists making a suspect purchase may also be questioned by the police, who will want to to know if they took adequate steps to avoid buying stolen property.

An ABI video demonstrates simple checks for buyers to determine whether the seller really is the owner.

A spokeswoman for the association said: 'Lots of these are common sense things, like checking a person's identification and that it ties up with the car's. Buyers should always meet the seller at the person's own home, not in a car park.'

The vendor ought to be used to the car, aware how to use all its controls and know the cost of insuring the vehicle. The vehicle registration number plate should be examined for tampering, and checks should be made to ensure that it matches the documentation and any number etched on to the windows.

The registration document should be checked for its watermark. Locks can be examined for damage and to ensure that one key still opens all of them.

The ABI video is based on a leaflet, produced by the Greater Manchester Police, which the Home Office is now making available across the country.

It points out that last year more than half a million cars were stolen.

Car Buyers Beware] The Car Buyer's Guide video is available, priced pounds 5, from the Association of British Insurers, 51 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HQ.

(Photograph omitted)