Auto Thief

Thursday, June 12, 2008

 

Where have all the stolen cars gone? Everywhere.

In some countries the import laws are very restrictive and they don't have the dealers and the network to distribute the cars like the Mercedes and Lexus SUVs, Rolls Royces, Porches, and Bentleys.

"We know of a guy over in Windsor, Canada who sold 40 stolen cars to a dealership in Panama," says Horsley. "They have customers all over the world, primarily in Russia, Colombia, Panama, and the Middle East. In some places like Bogota, Colombia, and Peru there is a need for the type of vehicles we see stolen here. In order to be able to handle the rough terrain or just to look good and to be stylish, there is a demand for luxury sport utility vehicles. We've heard that the same vehicles stolen in Michigan have sold for three times their value on the Russian black market."

Because countries don't share motor vehicle information, it is easy to have a vehicle re-titled in another country. A car can come across the border from Canada with a forged, stolen, or cloned Canadian title and permit. That car can get re-titled in the U.S., exported overseas, and look perfect on paper.

Meanwhile, Special Agent Horsley continues with his investigations. You know where to find him: looking for stolen cars, on the border.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

 

Car Safe Tips

1. Never leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition.

2. Don't leave car keys lying around on tables, desks or key hooks.

3. Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on your car; thieves know where to look.

4. If you have off-street parking, use it. Even better, park behind lockable gates or in a locked garage.

5. At night, park in a well lit area.

6. Use secure parking facilities where they are available.

7. In car parks where you must leave the keys, ask the operator how the keys will be secured.

8. When leaving your vehicle unattended, fully close the windows, lock all the doors and take the keys with you.

9. Never leave valuable items such as mobile phones, bags, CDs in sight in your unattended vehicle.

10. If you have a steering lock, use it. Better still, for maximum protection install an engine immobiliser that meets Australian Standards.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

 

Stolen Vehicles

It's Saturday night and it's been one longer week of gathering deadlines and dealing with the staff. You saunter into the parking garage and look for your - it is not there. While having your car stolen is not the end of the world (although it may feel like it at the time), it is upsetting, time-consuming, expensive, and a complete harass.

Make an informed choice on your next vehicle buy by knowing which vehicles are most frequently stolen in your state. Some vehicles are just simple targets for criminals because they are admired and easy to sell off in the stolen car market.