KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists are being urged to thoroughly inspect their vehicles after they have been left unattended at various locations for extended periods, as criminals may exploit vehicle identification information to facilitate vehicle cloning.

This appeal was made by Detective Sergeant Dave Francis of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit (SMVU) during episode two of the Police Civilian Oversight Authority’s ‘Citizens’ Corner’ podcast.

Francis said the removal of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate should be regarded as a major red flag.