Few controls to prevent false identifications

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 39

Few controls to prevent false identifications

Anyone who has had a vehicle stolen will know all about the inconvenience that follows. There is, of course, some comfort in having a good insurance policy, but there is often a delay of some weeks before any money is paid out if the vehicle is not recovered. An even worse situattion awaits anyone who unknowingly buys a stolen vehicle. The unfortunate would-be owner can lose eveiything. Brand-A-Car is an antitheft system that has been used overseas for about four years. Seven months ago the system was introduced to New Zealand and indications are that it will be successful. Mark Laird, the Brand-A-Car owner and operator

for Christchurch, has spent many years in the motor trade. He says that when he was checking cars clients were interested in buying, he found that many of the vehicles had false identifications. Unfortunately, the present vehicle registration system appears to be so inefficient that it actually helps thieves. There are few controls to prevent abuse and there is no way of confirming if an application for registration papers, number plates or licence labels is correct. “A stolen vehicle can be driven to another town and registered again very easily,” Mr Laird says. “The thief can use ficticious details and the car is reregistered, providing

the fee is paid. New ownership papers and number plates are issued without any Government agency inspecting the vehicle.” Brand-A-Car could prove to be the solution to problems caused by an inefficient registration system. Mr Laird says that the main aim of Brand-A-Car is to be a theft deterrent. Potential thieves will see the Brand-A-Car sticker and the registration numbers etched into the windscreens. Brand-A-Car also provides protection for car buyers and assists police and Ministry of Transport officers in identifying a vehicle. Christchurch is one of the worst-hit areas for

vehicle theft. When one supermarket was opened about three years ago, 200 cars were taken from the car park within the first year. Mr Laird believes that Brand-A-Car provides vehicle owners with an ideal opportunity to help protect their property. “A high proportion of vehicles stolen are taken for the sole purpose of resale and profit-making. The original owner and the unsuspecting purchaser are the major victims of car theft, but the whole community bears the cost of increased insurance premium charges.” Brand-A-Car services are available from selected service stations. Mr Laird also operates a mobile service.