The Rising Threat of Stolen Vehicles and Modern Car Theft Tactics

An alarming trend in car theft has emerged, with criminals employing sophisticated methods to turn stolen vehicles into what's known as "ghost cars." Mark McCann, a well-known YouTuber and investigator of car theft, shared insights with The Sun about the methods thieves utilize to gain access to cars and make off with them, often before reselling these vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.

Modern thieves are adept at using devices that can intercept and clone the signals from wireless key fobs, which unlock car doors. These criminals may lurk near an owner's residence to capture the signal and later create counterfeit fobs to unlock the car and start it. Although this gives them initial access, they still face hurdles, particularly the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique 17-character code inherent to every vehicle, which is crucial for verifying its ownership. According to McCann, these thieves can evade this obstacle by altering the VIN using another device connected to the car's onboard diagnostic system. Once a vehicle is equipped with a new VIN, it can be sold as if it were legitimate, making it untraceable and allowing it to change hands without raising suspicion among new buyers.

Many individuals might inadvertently purchase these stolen vehicles, completely unaware of their illicit history. These criminals often acquire VINs from cars that have been scrapped or exported without the proper notifications to authorities, thus feeding the black market. To counteract this situation, the UK Government has provided guidelines for prospective car buyers on how to avoid ending up with stolen or unsafe vehicles.

Key recommendations include verifying the seller’s provided details against official records—such as the vehicle's registration number, make and model, and MOT test number. Buyers should ensure that the MOT status aligns with the seller's claims and check for any serious recalls. Furthermore, when inspecting a vehicle, it is crucial to request the V5C registration certificate, confirming it has the appropriate watermark and that its serial numbers fall outside of specified ranges that indicate potential theft. If any irregularities are detected, it’s imperative to alert the police safely and promptly. More comprehensive information on these preventive measures can be found through government resources.