NCJ Number
135849
Journal
Sociology and Social Research Volume: 75 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 228-233
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Data from official records, insurance companies, and the automobile industry were used to determine whether the marking of the major sheet metal parts of high-theft automobiles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) promoted the detection of persons involved in sale of stolen parts to the auto body repair industry.
Abstract
The analysis considered passenger cars from the 1987 model year. It tested three related beliefs about vehicle theft upon which the 1984 Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act was founded. These beliefs are that variation in (1) demand for spare sheet metal parts, (2) costs of sheet metal parts, and (3) the extent to which individual models have parts that are interchangeable with the parts of other models. Results revealed that no compelling evidence exists to support any of these claims. Results suggested that the importance of "chopping" in the determination of vehicle theft rates has been exaggerated, at least for new models. Marking of parts will not deter thefts of new models if these are taken for joyriding, temporary transportation, and stripping of stereo system or other expensive parts rather than for their major body parts. Notes and 38 references