KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists are being urged to thoroughly inspect their vehicles after they have been left unattended at various locations for extended periods, as criminals may exploit vehicle identification information to facilitate vehicle cloning.

This appeal was made by Detective Sergeant Dave Francis of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit (SMVU) during episode two of the Police Civilian Oversight Authority’s ‘Citizens’ Corner’ podcast.

Francis said the removal of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate should be regarded as a major red flag.

He explained that the VIN serves as a vehicle’s primary identifier. The unique alphanumeric code, comprising both letters and numbers, is assigned exclusively to a single vehicle.

Francis further noted that the VIN plate contains critical information about the vehicle which can be exploited by criminals for illicit purposes, including “[creating] a vehicle similar to yours.”

Sergeant Francis is encouraging motorists to be vigilant when collecting their vehicles from locations where they may have been left for extended periods.

“When you leave your vehicle at a car wash or a mechanic, when you go to retrieve that vehicle, you must always look in the bonnet. If your VIN tag or your VIN plate is no longer on your vehicle, that is a red flag,” he emphasised.

Francis also stressed the importance of promptly reporting stolen vehicles, noting that doing so significantly increases the likelihood of recovery.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Francis outlined the parishes that continue to record higher incidents of motor vehicle theft.

“Kingston and St Andrew have the highest rate of theft. A hotbed for car theft is New Kingston [which], unfortunately, attracts car thieves due to its nightlife activities,” he told the podcast.

He pointed out that large public events create ideal opportunities for criminals to strike, noting that parking arrangements are often disorganised, with vehicles left along sidewalks, in open lots, and in other unsupervised areas near event venues.

Francis also pointed to another trend in Jamaica’s motor vehicle theft pattern, highlighting the types of vehicles most frequently targeted by thieves. Among those commonly featured in theft reports are the Toyota Probox, Axio, Mark X and Voxy.

“A lot of those vehicles are preferred for running taxis… so they are easily sold,” Francis said. He also linked their popularity among criminals to the high demand for replacement parts.

The police sergeant highlighted that the vehicles’ frequent involvement in collisions creates a market for both parts and entire vehicles.

—   JIS