Free PNC/HPI check?

[Joshua-63961]

I saw a moped yesterday with a couple of dodgy looking characters on it. As I got closer I noticed the number plate had been altered with black tape and a check of the actual number plate shows it’s not taxed and insured. Reported to the police but curiosity has the better of me and wondering if it’s also stolen. I’m not curious enough to pay for an HPI check but wondered if anyone knows a free way of checking the PNC? Thanks!

[CrippsCorner]

I believe if you go to make an advert on AutoTrader and put in the reg plate, it'll tell you whether there's anything flagged before you have to pay... though I've never tried this method myself.