NCJ Number
175446
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 48 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 1998 Pages: 692-703
Date Published
1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Vehicle theft is often facilitated when an offender alters the vehicle identification number (VIN), in most cases by grinding off the identification number and restamping a new number over the same area and in a few other cases by fixing false identification plates over the original VIN plate.
Abstract
Front-end portions of vehicles usually contain VINs stamped into the metal. The entire front end of a legitimate vehicle can be welded to the rear portion of a stolen vehicle to give the new hybrid a new identity that is very hard to dispute. Vehicles are also re-identified by simply welding a new VIN plate over the original plate to give a genuine appearance. Experiments were conducted to assess the usefulness of x-rays in solving problems associated with stolen vehicle identification. Field trials using a Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, a Ford Falcon sedan, a Honda Civic hatchback, and a Honda Civic sedan showed the positioning of the x-ray source determined the quality of the image obtained and the exposure time required. Results showed that the x-ray equipment detected weld joins and false VIN plates and that x-ray methods were cost-effective and easy to use and obviated the need to remove large areas of paint from expensive vehicles. The authors recommend that x-ray methods be adopted by investigative bodies, vehicle registration authorities, and insurance companies as part of the arsenal for fighting vehicle theft. 13 figures