[HyperSprite]

FNIVME2 wrote
"Recently there have been cases of thiefs targeting certain MINI's, seen on the internet or at shows, because they were able to get the license plate number then have a conspirator provide the registration info. They will then go the the home of the owner and swipe the car. Usually breaking into the home to get the keys."

I have a personalized plate that anyone could remember. I was just wondering how this happens and where I might find out more information about it. Would the the "conspirator" work at the DMV or in Sacramento? Do you have any links?

Chris

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by HyperSprite
FNIVME2 wrote
"Recently there have been cases of thiefs targeting certain MINI's, seen on the internet or at shows, because they were able to get the license plate number then have a conspirator provide the registration info. They will then go the the home of the owner and swipe the car. Usually breaking into the home to get the keys."

I have a personalized plate that anyone could remember. I was just wondering how this happens and where I might find out more information about it. Would the the "conspirator" work at the DMV or in Sacramento? Do you have any links?

Chris

I've not heard anyone on here who's MINI was stolen/targeted. It is always wise to disguise number plates and not disclose too much personal information on any public forum/at shows, just in case.

[AprilWhine]

Quote:

Originally posted by HyperSprite
FNIVME2 wrote
"Recently there have been cases of thiefs targeting certain MINI's, seen on the internet or at shows, because they were able to get the license plate number then have a conspirator provide the registration info. They will then go the the home of the owner and swipe the car. Usually breaking into the home to get the keys."

I have a personalized plate that anyone could remember. I was just wondering how this happens and where I might find out more information about it. Would the the "conspirator" work at the DMV or in Sacramento? Do you have any links?

Chris

I don't think you will have a problem. Since the murder of that starlet, I don't remember her name, the CA DMV won't give out that info.

There is a sticky thread in the General forum, started by MINI Cruiser, about that sort of thing happening to original Minis in the UK. I haven't heard of anything like it in the US.

I like to post pics of my car, and I have a good plate. But my registration goes to a PO box.

[MINIALEX]

I keep my keys by my bed so they will have to get through me first!

[dinlo]

Actually you could go to DMV to get the registrant info. It's easy, just like domain name, you can find out who own it, where they live... etc for FREE!!!!

For better safe, I think I better buy a safe in my room just for the MINI key.

[AprilWhine]

Quote:

Originally posted by dinlo
Actually you could go to DMV to get the registrant info. It's easy, just like domain name, you can find out who own it, where they live... etc for FREE!!!!

For better safe, I think I better buy a safe in my room just for the MINI key.

Sorry Dinlo, but not in CA. The law was changed after a deranged fan followed a starlet, she was the kid sister on a show called "My Sister Sam" or something like that. He followed her from the set, got her license plate, then went to the DMV and got her address. Soon thereafter, he went to tell her of his undying love, then killed her.

So now, you can't just walk in and get someone's address from their plate in CA. Hong Kong may be different...

[dldds]

Yikes! I think we better fuzz out the plates before posting them on our web pages. Don't want to tempt any retarded theives!

[AprilWhine]

But do whatever makes you feel safe. To this day, I won't step on a crack in a sidewalk.

[dinlo]

Wow good to know that, Thanks

All the pictures on NorCal MINIs are modified before it post.

[ScooterMan]

As far as MINIs go, it sounds to me like another Urban Legends

[Mrb6469]

The other thing is that the VIN # is available just by walking up to the car...its on the driver side wind screen at the bottom...Someone can write down the # and go to the dealer and ask for a spare key. The dealer SHOULD ask for proper ID but this is not always the case. The thief then walks up to the car opens the doors and drives away! I DONT THINK THE VIN SHOULD BE ON PUBLIC DISPLAY!!!

[FNIVME2]

Just to help clarify, I provide this information based upon a conversation I recently had with an officer assigned to the auto theft task force.
It is not a matter of someone going into DMV with a plate # and getting a persons registration info. AprilWhine is correct that this is no longer possible. However, it is a matter of the auto theft rings having people in place in organizations that have access to what is normally considered inaccessible information.
No matter the fact that it is illegal, there are persons with access (DMV, insurance companies, etc) that for whatever reason will provide confidential information.
As this officer also pointed out, a number of cars are stolen because an 'order' has been placed for a specific model, color and equipment. If one is unfortunate enough to have a car that has been targeted for an order that car will be stolen.
Wish it weren't so but I am willing to go along with the recommendations from the people who deal with this every day.

[BillK]

FNIVME2 is correct, it is much more difficult these days to get registration information from the DMV in California (and most of the US) than it used to be. I believe it can still be done, but a notice is sent to the registered owner and there is a waiting period. On the other hand, there are several ways that people legally have access to DMV records, and there are people with such access who illegally provide that information to others.

It is a felony in California for someone with access to DMV records to misuse the information or provide it to others who are not authorized to receive the information, but then, so is conspiracy to commit grand theft, auto. So yes, there are those with access who provide the info to others who may steal cars.

On the other hand, a record is made whenever someone accesses DMV records, and certain names, such as celebrities and others who may be stalking victims are flagged so that any access to their file is reviewed to make sure the access was for a valid purpose. I don't think DMV checks based on a plate is the most common approach to targeting someone for auto theft, usually the thief just spots the car and makes his/her move from there, but with a specialty car I am sure it can happen through misuse of records. I also don’t post images with my plate in the clear.