Posted: 2009-07-01 09:07
Some great news just in regarding some low-life people rebirthing repairable writeoff 4WDs with stolen luxury parts.
It's a great reminder to us all to double and triple check the VIN number and other identifying items on a vehicle before handing over the cash.
Property Crime Squad detectives have smashed an alleged car re-birthing syndicate, arresting 14 people and identifying nearly 50 vehicles.
Strike Force Putland was formed by the State Crime Command Property Crime Squad Motor Team in July 2008 to investigate the alleged re-birthing of 4WD motor vehicles in New South Wales.
Police allege that 48 vehicles were bought as ‘repairable’ wrecks mainly from interstate auction houses, then re-birthed using stolen luxury parts and panels and sold to ‘unsuspecting’ buyers.
It’s alleged the syndicate used ‘luxury’ parts and panels to pass off the re-birthed 4WDs as more expensive models. The vehicles were then allegedly sold through online classifieds and/or trading publications.
Strike Force Putland detectives have made a total of 14 arrests in relation to re-birthing as well as firearm and drug offences.
The latest stage of the operation has resulted in the arrest of six people. All six will appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 5 August on charges relating to knowingly facilitate organised motor vehicle re-birthing and participating in a criminal group.
Tips for consumers buying a used car privately:
· Determine whether a vehicle is a write-off by checking with the RTA prior to purchase
· Determine if the vehicle is encumbered by checking with REVS
· If the vehicle is a write-off, have the vehicle checked by a reputable body to ensure there is no structural damage and the repairs have been carried out effectively
· Make sure you are dealing with the legitimate owner of the vehicle and not a person representing the owner
· If a deal seems ‘too good to be true’, chances are it is.
Source: NSW Police
Strike Force Putland was formed by the State Crime Command Property Crime Squad Motor Team in July 2008 to investigate the alleged re-birthing of 4WD motor vehicles in New South Wales.
Police allege that 48 vehicles were bought as ‘repairable’ wrecks mainly from interstate auction houses, then re-birthed using stolen luxury parts and panels and sold to ‘unsuspecting’ buyers.
It’s alleged the syndicate used ‘luxury’ parts and panels to pass off the re-birthed 4WDs as more expensive models. The vehicles were then allegedly sold through online classifieds and/or trading publications.
Strike Force Putland detectives have made a total of 14 arrests in relation to re-birthing as well as firearm and drug offences.
The latest stage of the operation has resulted in the arrest of six people. All six will appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 5 August on charges relating to knowingly facilitate organised motor vehicle re-birthing and participating in a criminal group.
Tips for consumers buying a used car privately:
· Determine whether a vehicle is a write-off by checking with the RTA prior to purchase
· Determine if the vehicle is encumbered by checking with REVS
· If the vehicle is a write-off, have the vehicle checked by a reputable body to ensure there is no structural damage and the repairs have been carried out effectively
· Make sure you are dealing with the legitimate owner of the vehicle and not a person representing the owner
· If a deal seems ‘too good to be true’, chances are it is.
Source: NSW Police
