Local MP John Spellar has issued a warning to potential purchasers of used vehicles after being alerted to a number of cases where buyers were conned into buying stolen cars.

The Department of Transport is advising buyers to take the following steps to help protect themselves from being ripped off.

Seeing the vehicle for the first time

• Be careful of mobile phone numbers – it’s very hard to trace their owners.
• Watch out for adverts giving a phone number and time to call – it could be a phone box.
• Arrange to see the vehicle in daylight at the seller’s home and not in a public place.
• Make sure the seller is familiar with the vehicle and its controls.

What to look for when you inspect the vehicle

• Check if the engine has been changed in any way.
• Check all the locks open with the same key – thieves will change locks that have been damaged.
• Check for signs of a forced entry.
• See if the locking petrol cap has been forced or replaced.

Checking the vehicle’s identity

• When you decide what make and model you want, find out where the vehicle identification number (VIN) is on that vehicle. You will then know where to look to check it’s correct.
• Check the VIN matches the one on the vehicle registration certificate (V5C).
• Check the surrounding area for signs of damage or alterations.
• Check the part VIN or registration number etched on the windows matches the ones on the registration certificate and number plates.
• Check all window etchings match each other including headlamps, tail lamps and sunroofs.
• Check the engine number matches that on the registration certificate.
• If the number is not on the vehicle, ask why not.

If you decide to buy a vehicle

• Check the registration certificate and satisfy yourself that it is real. By holding it up to the light you can see the DVLA watermark in it.
• You can also phone DVLA on 0300 790 6104 to check the registration certificate is authentic.
• Be on the lookout for stolen registration certificates. DVLA has provided a range of serial numbers of known stolen registration certificates. If you find one that is in the range of BG8229501 to BG9999030 or BI2305501 to BI2800000 do not proceed with the sale and contact the police.
• If you can’t find a serial number or it looks like it has been altered or tampered with, or the vehicle is accompanied by only part of the registration certificate you should not go ahead with the sale.
• The DVLA operates a premium rate telephone service to provide vehicle information. Calls are charged at 49 pence per minute and lines operate Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 8:30 pm, and Saturday between 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. The service gives details of date of registration; year of manufacture; engine capacity (cc); CO2 emissions and confirmation of colour. The telephone number is 0906 185 8585.

John Spellar MP said:

“I hope this practical advice from the Department of Transport will be useful for constituents who are thinking about buying a second hand car. Being informed about what to look out for, and taking a little time to closely inspect the vehicle in question before proceeding with a purchase is really important because sadly there are too many crooks out there trying to pass off stolen and “ringer” cars.