Check if the second-hand car you are buying is a stolen one

NEW DELHI: Checking whether the second-hand vehicle you are planning to buy is a stolen one or not is now just a text message away.

Delhi Police has started an SMS application wherein people can send the registration number of vehicle to the force for confirming the engine and chasis numbers.

"Before purchase of second-hand vehicle, confirm from the respective transport Authorities that the engine and chasis numbers are confirming to the registration number and the make of vehicle as mentioned on the registration certificate," a senior police official said.

For such verification, the official said, Delhi Police Citizens First initiative have provided an online SMS application.

For availing the service, one can send a text message to "9811599901" with "SV (space) Registration No or Engine No or Chasis No.

"The service is available round the clock," the official said.

The service will come handy as investigators have found that many stolen vehicles have been sold to unsuspecting customers using forged documents.

"It is very easy now to find out whether the vehicle you are planning to buy has genuine documents," the official said.

According to Delhi Police, a total of 14,026 vehicles were stolen in the capital last year while around 1,580 vehicles were stolen this year so far.