DVLA Logbook Disaster Rolls On
Stolen logbooks continue causing cloning chaos - what to watch out for
Several thousand V5 logbooks stolen from the DVLA in 2006 are continuing to assist car cloners in creating false identities for stolen motors.
The story goes that the logbooks had a minor misprint and had been earmarked for destruction - but somewhere between the printers and the shredder, the papers went missing, only to surface over the next three years (and counting) being used to create false vehicle identities. So far over £13m worth of cars have been stolen and cloned in this way, and Police are still recovering around 10 stolen logbooks every week. It is estimated that 120,000 to 130,000 stolen blank documents are still in circulation.
Fortunately a contact at the Police told PH that if you're savvy, these cloned cars can be spotted before that fateful knock at the door from plod.
First and foremost, check the nine-digit V5 Logbook code. You can find it here:
According to the DVLA, all logbooks with codes in the range of BG8229501 to BG9999030 or BI2305501 to BI2800000 are stolen, and should be immediately reported to the DVLA.
Other than that, be sure to perform all of the normal checks you'd look to do when buying a used car. An HPI check is a must, but in itself its not enough - most clones will appear to be fine on the database. Always check that details on the HPI report match up with the vehicle you're looking at - clones aren't always perfect copies, and discrepancies in colour or spec could possibly be indicators that something is amiss.
Also, be sure to visually inspect all VIN plates to see if they appear tampered with or replaced. You can find the location of these plates by typing your car's name into a search engine and having a dig around.
We love used cars here at PH, and it always makes us sad to see this sort of thing going on. But we won't let a DVLA cock-up come in the way of finding a pre-loved bargain, and nor should you - just be sensible, do your checks and for goodness sake check that logbook code!
What "considerable digging" did you have to do to find the information? There is a link on the front page of www.dvla.gov.ukMake sure you have the registration certificate and it matches the vehicle’s details.
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 real before you buy.
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.
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