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There are on average 11,000 vehicles stolen in Ireland every year. The vast majority of those vehicles are recovered within a very short period of time, usually within 48 hours. However on average 2,000 vehicles are never recovered. Some of these vehicles end up in scrap yards cut up and sold as spare parts. Others are sold on to innocent purchasers usually bearing false identities. The following points will assist the potential customer when responding to a private advert for the sale of a motor vehicle.

The General public should be encouraged to contact their local Garda Station or the Stolen Motor vehicle Investigation Unit if they feel they are being offered a vehicle, which they feel, is not genuine.

POINTS TO NOTE WHEN BUYING VEHICLES THROUGH A PRIVATE ADVERT

1. Research:

• Decide model.
• Find out location of VIN numbers.
• (Stamped in Vehicle Identification Number, usually a 17-digit number stamped into the body of the vehicle).
• Bring mechanic or person with some knowledge of cars or Motor Cycles.

2. Private Adverts:

• Can you I.D. Seller,
• Beware 5pm to 6pm adverts. Try calling outside these hours.
• Beware mobile phone. Is it traceable?
• If possible, see vehicle in daylight
• Never meet seller at your home. Always meet seller at his/her home.

3. Seller:

• Is he/she familiar with controls?
• Insurance discs/ tax discs are they displayed. If not why not, don't be afraid to ask.
• Does the registration details on the tax/Insurance disc correspond to the registration number of the vehicle. Check for forgeries
• Is he/she registered owner/ if not, why not
• Check documents for possible forgeries/ watermark etc.
• Registration documents Does the Chassis number correspond with the stamped in chassis number.

4. Registration plates:

• Are they newer than vehicle?
• Are there too many screw holes?
• Have they been taken off at some stage (If so why, ask!!!)

5. Windows:

• Dealer's stickers, they love advertising. Has the garage sticker been removed?
• Registration numbers etched underneath stickers. Correct numbers etched on windows?

6. Vehicle Identification Number:

• Look for VIN plate/ stamped in chassis
• Does it match registration document?
• Does it show signs of interference?
• Has the VIN plate been removed? If so why.

7. Check engine number:

• Does it show signs of interference?
• Does it match what is on the vehicle registration document?

8. Locks and Security

• Does the car have working security alarm system?
• Do the locks differ?
• Do any of the door locks show signs of damage in surrounding areas?
• How many keys does seller supply? Does one key open all doors, and start the vehicle?

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC

• CHECK THE SELLER: IS HE/SHE FAMILIAR WITH VEHICLE
• CHECK THE REGISTRATION PLATES
• CHECK THE WINDOWS / DEALERSSTICKERS/ETCHING
• CHECK THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
• CHECK THE STAMPED-IN CHASSIS NUMBER
• CHECK THE ENGINE NUMBER
• CHECK THE DOOR LOCKS/PETROL LOCK/KEYS

FINAL ADVICE :

• YOU WILL LOSE THE VEHICLE AND THE MONEY YOU PAID FOR IT
• BE SURE BEFORE YOU BUY
• NEVER FEEL PRESSURED INTO BUYING
• NEVER PAY CASH
• ALWAYS REMEMBER "LET THE BUYER BEWARE"