EVERY year about 400,000 cars are stolen - and 120,000 are never recovered.

York Trading Standards is often approached for help by local buyers who have been duped into purchasing cars which have been stolen and given a false identity (more commonly known as "ringers"), or those who have bought cars that they later discover have been subject to serious accident damage.

City of York Council's Trading Standards knows the misery buying such a car can cause and supports recent measures introduced to tackle car crime by tightening vehicle registration and licensing. The UK-wide changes mean that:

- As of February 1, 2003, in order to get a tax disc at the Post Office motorists have to show either their log book (form V5) or a renewal notice (form V11). In the past, thieves have often taxed stolen vehicles to make them appear legitimate to buyers

- All cars which are "written off" or scrapped due to accident damage and then repaired must undergo a "vehicle identity check" (VIC) before they can go back on the road. Any car which has undergone and passed a VIC will have this permanently recorded with the words "Accident damaged and/or substantially repaired; identity checked on (date)." This is because cars which had been seriously damaged and/or written off were often sought by criminals in order to provide false identities for stolen vehicles. Buyers need to remember that a VIC pass does not mean a car is roadworthy, so it is advisable to have an independent expert examination of any vehicle before purchase

- Since January 1, 2003, all suppliers of number plates in England and Wales are required to register their details with the DVLA. As of March 1, 2003, such suppliers must record every plate produced and keep details of purchasers. Each plate will display the postcode of the manufacturer, so records can be easily checked.

DVLA recommends that anyone considering purchasing a used car privately should take practical steps to limit the chances of being sold a stolen vehicle.

These include asking to see the V5 prior to purchase, asking the seller for proof of identity, viewing the vehicle at the address shown on the log book, checking the vehicle identity number (VIN), also called the chassis number, corresponds with the number on the registration document and being wary of handing cash to someone who has been contacted through a mobile number.

Remember you can check if a vehicle has been seriously damaged, notified as stolen, or is subject to outstanding finance.

For details of which companies offer vehicle history checks (for a fee) contact City of York Trading Standards at 9 St Leonard's Place or telephone 01904 551562. Fax: 01904 551590 Email: trading.standards@york.gov.uk

Updated: 10:29 Thursday, April 24, 2003