Police warn of stolen vehicles offered in online sales

The Saskatoon Police Service issued a warning to residents looking to buy a new car online because of an increase in the buying and selling of stolen vehicles.

According to a news release, police say they have learned of an “emerging trend” regarding individuals looking to sell vehicles online having them stolen, or those who want to buy a vehicle online inadvertently buying stolen vehicles.

The police also noted some tips for buyers and sellers to avoid dealing with stolen property, which includes removing the registration from a vehicle before you sell and making sure a seller’s licence matches their registration before you buy.

Police also encouraged the public to check the vehicle identification number and look for outstanding loans or liens on a vehicle through online public databases.

Information from Statistics Canada released in July lists Saskatchewan as being among the provinces with the highest rate of stolen vehicle incidents per capita reported in 2016. Only Alberta and the Northwest Territories had more.

In total, more than 5,600 vehicle thefts were reported in Saskatchewan last year.

Anyone who believes an attempt is being made to sell a stolen vehicle is being asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service or Crime Stoppers to report the incident.