Repatriation and the DfT

Our Ref: 00016299
17 June 2024
Freedom of Information Act request – FOI-00016299

Thank you for your Freedom of Information (FOI) request of 13 June 2024. You requested the following information:

1. agreement for the sharing of
   a. the UK’s PNC LoS (VRM) records with other countries
   b. other countries sharing information with the UK
2. policy/procedure when notified a vehicle stolen in the UK has been recovered abroad
3. policy/procedure to be adopted by the country recovering/possessing the vehicle.
   Should this not be a general (all encompassing, all country but individual to each)
   policy, I ask to be provided the arrangement insofar as it pertains to Lithuania
4. any UK Interpol office contact, phone number and email for liaison about LoS vehicles
   located abroad

• Following a thorough search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by this Department. The information would ordinarily be held by either West Midlands Police or Home Office, but given you have already approached these organisations, we can offer no further suggestions on whom you may approach for the information you seek.

17/06/2024 reply to the DfT:

Thank you for your prompt response.
You mention WMP – why West Midlands police? I have not approached them nor thought to do so.
I understand GMP played host to the UK’s Interpol liaison – possibly worth an approach?

19/06/2024 DfT response:

• Unfortunately, we do not hold this information in Department for Transport but if you feel you may be able to get the information from GMP please contact them.
  Many thanks
  International Vehicle Standards

19/06/2024 the DfT’s further reply when asked ‘why WMP?’:

• I apologise this was not the correct area. I can see you were directed to the National Police Chiefs Council previously, I am unsure if you have received any information from them. But unfortunately I am unable to direct you to any department or agency as we do not hold this information.
  Many thanks
  Sian Steer | Correspondence Manager, International Vehicle Standards, Department for Transport
  | 07977696570 |