What to do if you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned in your street?
Police are frequently contacted by concerned community members in relation to abandoned or suspicious looking vehicles. Often a vehicle turns up in a street and after a few days it hasn't moved, and the days can turn into weeks. Eventually as was the case in Murrumbateman recently the vehicle can be damaged, stripped for parts or burnt out. So, what should you do if you are concerned about a car in your area?
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First step would be to contact your local police and supply them with the Registration number, make, model and colour of the vehicle and the location it is parked. Police can then conduct checks on the vehicle to make sure it was not a stolen vehicle that has been dumped and needs to be recovered and forensically analysed. If the vehicle does not have registration plates attached police will attempt to locate a vin number to conduct enquiries.
If the vehicle has not been reported stolen police will attempt to contact the last known registered owner, enquire as to its status and where appropriate request, they move the vehicle.
Why are the police not removing the vehicle?
In order for a vehicle to be parked on a public street it is legally required to be registered. Police will conduct checks to see whether the vehicle has current registration. If the vehicle does not have current registration police will create an abandoned vehicle report and notify the local council who will arrange for the vehicle to be towed.
If the vehicle has registration and is parked legally the vehicle is entitled to remain where it is, and police/council have no authority to remove it even if it is an eyesore or taking up a valuable car parking space.
What does the police tape on vehicles signify?
Once police have identified the vehicle as being abandoned it is often the case that a sticker that states 'this vehicle has been reported' or blue and white checked police tape is left on the vehicle to signify police are aware of it and have notified other agencies in relation to the vehicle.
Similarly, when crash damaged or undriveable vehicles are left on the side of the road after motor vehicle collisions It is up to the owner/insurance company to have vehicles towed from the scene. If the owner does not organise the tow, police will leave the vehicle where it is unless the vehicle is blocking a road, in a dangerous location, or the vehicle requires forensic examination.
Unfortunately, this can cause concern to passing motorists who may believe the collision has just occurred and contact emergency services. In order to overcome this problem police will often leave police tape around the vehicle to signify that it has already been reported and there is no need to be alarmed.
Acting Inspector Amanda Watt
The Hume PD
