KINGSTON, Jamaica — Law-enforcement officers are urging prospective buyers of used cars to examine the vehicle identification numbers before completing their purchase.

The appeal comes from Detective Sergeant Dave Francis of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit, while speaking on the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) ‘Citizens’ Corner’ podcast.

Francis said criminals continue to disguise stolen vehicles as legitimate and revealed some checks carried out by law enforcement.