Police have successfully recovered a BMW stolen in Coventry after it was illegally sold via Facebook Marketplace just hours after being taken.
The vehicle was reported stolen yesterday, and quick action by officers led to its recovery. Authorities are now reminding the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing vehicles online, particularly through social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
A police spokesperson said:
“We urge anyone considering buying a car online to carry out full checks before parting with any money. This includes verifying ownership, checking the vehicle identification number (VIN), confirming insurance status, and ensuring there are no outstanding finance or theft reports.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for the theft and fraudulent sale.
The case highlights a rising trend where stolen vehicles are quickly sold online to unsuspecting buyers. Police recommend always using trusted dealerships or reputable websites and, when possible, arranging vehicle checks through services like HPI Check or MotorCheck.
