We are frequently told that “relay theft” is becoming the norm for modern vehicles. But how certain are we? In many reported vehicle removals, there is no forensic evidence establishing precisely how the vehicle was started or driven away. Yet the explanation often quickly becomes “security bypass” or “electronic compromise.” Before concluding that modern vehicle…
Category: Fraud
When ‘Sale or Return’ Goes Wrong
A Risk in the UK Automotive Market Recent events involving GVE London have brought renewed attention to a longstanding concern: the potential pitfalls of ‘Sale or Return’ (SOR) agreements. This incident is not isolated. At CMA, we are investigating traders whose conduct has ended in dispute or financial loss – raising critical questions about the…
The Devalued Crime Report
Some 20-odd years ago, a constabulary reported that about 30% of all ‘reports’ of vehicle theft were tainted by fraud. Why would this be any different today? 2024: I read a JDA case study with interest and urge anyone involved in the vehicle theft arena to familiarise themselves with key examination. Some wonder why I…
Policing (or not?) Vehicle Theft
INTRODUCTION please skip to ‘VEHICLE THEFT’ (below) if this bores you … In today’s complex and ever-evolving society, the role of police staff has become increasingly challenging, and fraught with pressures that can be overwhelming. The nature of crime has diversified significantly, with officers now encountering a broader spectrum of criminal activity than ever before….
Fraud Not Theft … face the facts!
Insurance industry collaboration key to Essex Police vehicle fraud conviction Specialist motor insurance loss adjuster Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA), part of the QuestGates Group, has praised Essex Police after Zeki Ibrahim, 43, of Romford, was found guilty of fraud by false representation in relation to a crashed BMW. Essex Police had already found the…
Cloned Plates: Register of Keepers – Lacking Integrity?
A 14/08/2024 BBC report titled ‘Thousands hit by fines from cloned car plates‘. ‘A BBC investigation has uncovered a sharp rise in penalty charge notices (PCN) cancelled due to car cloning, with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) saying it is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other government departments to improve…
Police Vehicle Theft Reports – A Lack Of Understanding And Standardisation
The police handling a report of crime over the phone is practical for many reasons. Popping the VRM on the PNC LoS is necessary and … that is pretty much it (please do not mention ANPR) unless there are obvious indicators that all is not as presented. But even if there are discrepancies or concerns…







