Gwent police confirmed instigating a process to prevent further instances of weeding; the removal of stolen markers against VRMs yet the vehicles had NOT been recovered. The constabulary has written (Freedom of Information request 2024/27796), 30/10/2024:
Gwent Police previously did not confirm lost or stolen (LOS) vehicles until it was allocated to the Phoenix Bureau.
However, this process was changed, and all initial reports are confirmed at the time of reporting so there is no weeding process.
Between 13/08/24 and 18/10/24 the Phoenix Bureau received 39 LOS reports. This equates to about one notification every two days.
We have sought further information about the process and outcome. Whilst claiming they instigated the ‘confirm’ notification’ process (above) due to their consideration in late 2024, the issue was raised with them in May 2024.
We consider ‘weeding’ an archaic, unnecessary process that benefits no one but those who steal or handle stolen vehicles. The arguments for it are simplistic, seemingly clutching at straws. Why?
Constabularies risk failing to ‘confirm’ a LoS (lost or stolen) report resulting in the stolen marker being automatically removed (weeded) after 6 weeks. The chances of the vehicle’s recovery are greatly reduced, if not negated:
- a PNC enquiry will not reveal the stolen status potentially hindering an investigation
- ANPR will not ‘alert’ to the stolen status:
- an insured/victim that has not been paid out Is unlikely to be reunited with their vehicle – a claim will progress extending their financial hardship, inconvenience and distress
- an owner who has not claimed or whose claim has been declined is unlikely to negate or reduce their loss by the vehicle’s discovery
- an insurer who has paid out and obtained a subrogated right to the vehicle, will not be able to offset its loss yt collection and disposal of the recovered vehicle, even if only salvage
- Constabulary ‘recovery’ figures will be skewed; positively affected.
Surrey police are considering our submissions but have proffered odd reasons to retain the process.
11/2024 update – the NPCC appears to have acted on my request to review weeding and issued an ‘all chief constables’ circular.