The differing approach to the issue of ‘weeding‘ which we have asked be scrapped. In brief:
- Day 1 – a vehicle reported stolen has its VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) placed to the PNC (Police National Computer) LoS (Lost or Stolen) register.
- Day 28 – after 4 weeks the LoS recording constabulary receives a ‘reminder’ if the report has not been ‘CONFIRMED’ that, in 2 weeks, the LoS marker will fall away, will be weeded.
- Day 42 – at 6 weeks, if still not CONFIRMED, the LoS marker will fall away – the VRM will cease to be recroded as stolen.
It appears, possibly due to a lack of education, possibly due to understaffing/overburdening, VRMs are being weeded inappropriately; the LoS marker is falling away but the vehicle remains stolen. A search of the VRM, whether on PNC or by use of Vehicle Provenance (VP) companies (online providers who will check whether a vehicle is stolen, written off, on finance etc.) will return ‘NOT recorded stolen’. The consequences:
- victim
- insurer
- police
- criminal
The NPCC has been alerted to the concerns, asked to cease the process but has yet to respond.
Differing approaches to the issue:
GWENT POLICE
Problem highlighted to the constabulary – weeding overcome, will no longer be an issue. The solution – mark every LoS report when made as ‘CONFIRMED’. Of course, the person receiving and recording the crime must remember to complete this task!
SURREY POLICE
Problem highlighted … time and time again!