Capture The Deal - Capture The Thieves

Norfolk Constabulary's Crime Reduction Department have launched a new campaign to encourage people buying second-hand vehicles to take a photograph of the seller before they hand over any cash.  The campaign is modelled on an idea developed by West Midlands Police following an increase in the number buyers who are conned into handing over thousands of pounds for vehicles which they later discover are stolen.   By taking a few simple precautions, buyers of second-hand cars, caravans and motorcycles can dramatically reduce their chances of being a victim. The campaign aims to educate buyers and suggest that they follow these steps:

Ensure you visit the sellers home - don't do a deal in a car park or let them visit your home.
Don't pay cash - if there is a dispute later, there is no way of tracing the seller. Pay by banker's draft, which will at least leave an audit trail.
Check the vehicle registration number against the engine number and chassis number.
Consider taking a photograph of the seller standing in front of the vehicle, ensuring the registration is clearly on show. If people are genuine sellers, they should have no reason to object. If the car is then identified as stolen, it will assist the police in tracing the person.
Take advantage of the services which companies provide such as the AA and RAC where they offer a vehicle check prior to the purchase.
If you are selling a vehicle yourself, do not give the vehicle's chassis and engine number to anyone enquiring about the vehicle over the phone.

SHERINGHAM COUNTRY MARKET

Summer on the way and we need more cooks and helpers. We meet every Thursday morning from 8.45am - 11.30am at St John Hall, Wyndham Street. If you would like to cook or just help serve or make coffee, we would like to hear from you. Please come and see us on a Thursday morning you will be very welcome, and have a chat about what we do, or telephone me on 823550 or 824993