Police have issued a warning to prospective car buyers after another innocent driver was tricked into purchasing a stolen vehicle. Traffic officers told members of the public to be aware of online deals that “seem to good to be true.”
They urged buyers to carry out extensive checks when buying a car, explaining how a motorist had ended up purchasing the product of a crime. Sharing an image of a blue Volkswagen Golf R, officers said they had clocked the car as it flagged up as cloned.
They used tactics to avoid a police chase and the motor transpired to be stolen. However, the buyer had no idea until they were stopped by West Midlands Police.
Read more:‘I was stabbed while pregnant – me and my daughter would’ve died if people hadn’t intervened’
It had been purchased by the “unwitting and innocent” driver, the force said. Sharing their advice to X, formerly Twitter, West Midlands Traffic Police wrote: “Road Crime Team officers stopped this cloned VW Golf R using tactics to avoid a pursuit. It turned out to be stolen but had been purchased by the unwitting and innocent driver.
“***Please do extensive checks when buying cars. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is***” Anyone who is suspicious of a vehicle or seller should contact West Midlands Police. Trading Standards advises on its website: “Inform the police if you become suspicious of a vehicle or seller.
“Anyone who suspects a garage or unit is being used to handle and strip down stolen cars should contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at WMP Online or calling 101.”
Have you been affected by crime in Birmingham? Has this happened to you? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com