What is car rebirthing and how to avoid buying a stolen car

Authorities are urging buyers to know the illegal tricks to look out for amid a spike in car thefts after a lull during the pandemic.

Across Australia's eastern states, car thefts reported to authorities jumped by 15 per cent in 2022, but remained slightly below pre-pandemic levels.

Victoria Police vehicle crime squad Detective Senior Sergeant John Dimos said the term covered a few scenarios.

"In essence, it refers to modifying or removing identifying information from a stolen vehicle or stolen parts to disguise the fact that it has been stolen," he said.

"It also includes using parts and spares from a stolen vehicle to fix a write off, or interfering with the vehicle identification number (VIN)."

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The illegal process could also work in reverse with parts from a non-stolen car used to disguise a stolen vehicle.

And any vehicle could be a target for rebirthing, Detective Senior Sergeant Dimos said.

In Victoria, police recently recovered 11 of at least 30 Holden cars allegedly stolen from across Melbourne since October 2022 - worth an estimated $2 million.

Detectives charged two regional Victorians and a Melbourne man following an investigation into the alleged theft, rebirthing and on-selling of vehicles.

Investigators revealed late model Holden Special Vehicles were targeted and allegedly stolen from dealerships, public car parks and outside homes.

Rebirthed vehicles could be a "major safety threat to unwitting buyers".

"Often the rebirthing process is not carried out by a qualified mechanic, meaning the car could have serious issues which can result in an accident," Detective Senior Sergeant Dimos said.

People looking at buying a used car are encouraged to do some checks first.

"You should always inspect the vehicle in person and ideally in daylight, so any obvious faults are more visible or have a qualified mechanic inspect the motor vehicle," he said.

Check the VIN on the car registration matches the VIN on the vehicle, usually found under the bonnet.

"If the VIN plate looks like it has been tampered with, it probably has," Detective Senior Sergeant Dimos said.

"With the correct VIN, you can also check the vehicle against the national Personal Property Securities Register which can tell you if the car has been stolen, involved in a collision, written off, if the odometer is correct or if it is carrying any debt.

"Some companies will also offer a full vehicle history check for a small fee. If you're ever unsure, ask a professional."

An NRMA spokesperson said second-hand buyers should do their research.

"When a customer takes out a motor policy with us, it's understood that they have provided truthful information and are the owner of the vehicle," the spokesperson said.

"If a vehicle is identified as stolen or re-birthed, the matter will be referred to the appropriate authorities."

Detective Senior Sergeant Dimos said car rebirthing had "an incredibly detrimental impact on the community".

"From someone who can't get to work or get their kids to school because their car's been stolen, to insurance premiums being raised for everyone to cover the costs of vehicle theft," he said.

"Not to mention the use of the stolen motor vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily."

It also means car owners should be vigilant against theft.

"This includes keeping your car locked at all times and securing the keys, particularly if your car uses a smart key," the NRMA spokesperson said.

Police investigations into car rebirthing were often started after receiving tip-offs from the public.

Anyone with information about the theft, rebirthing and subsequent sale of vehicles is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au