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Drivers 'should get vehicle check'

Posted by Freddy Morton


People with caravan accessories such as a 12v TV should be cautious when purchasing a vehicle to help tow their caravan after the British Crime Survey (BCS) revealed vehicle theft went up by seven per cent in the last quarter of 2011.


This could lead to increased risk for car owners, but also poses a dilemma for potential purchasers, according to motor fraud expert HPI.


Consumer director for HPI Kristian Welch revealed that one in three of the vehicles tested by the company have something to hide, indicating the possibility that an unsuspecting consumer could buy a car with a shady past.


"Some buyers might think they could spot a dodgy seller with a stolen car easily, but the reality is most cars with a hidden history often seem perfectly legitimate," warned Ms Welch.


It is important to meet the seller at home rather than at a public park or lay-by, the expert added.


Research carried out for the BCS revealed that ten per cent of UK adults are very concerned about the possibility of car theft in the area where they live.