NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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On Jan. 20, 2020, a 2009 Toyota Rav 4 was stolen from an address in the City of Kitchener. The vehicle was then immediately posted for sale on Kijiji for $6,500. An adult male from Guelph responded to the advertisement and met the seller in Kitchener to test drive the vehicle. Following the test drive, a deal was struck and the vehicle was purchased by the Guelph resident for $5,500 cash.
On Jan. 21, 2020, the buyer attended the Service Ontario office in the City of Guelph to transfer the ownership of the vehicle, at which time it was discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen just the day before. As a result, the vehicle was seized and returned to the rightful owner with the Guelph resident being out $5,500.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Constable Stephen Gawlik at 519-824-1212 ext. 7509, email him at [email protected], leave an anonymous tip at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
The Guelph Police Service would like to remind the public about Service Ontario recommendations when purchasing a used vehicle:
- Check the vehicle history, including maintenance records
- Check the vehicle’s emissions testing history on the Drive Clean website. A Drive Clean emissions test is required every two years for all vehicles seven years and older. You will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to run this free search
- Although not required, you can also ask the vehicle seller to perform a Drive Clean emissions test and provide you with the results before buying the vehicle to ensure it does not have any emissions problems
- Make sure the seller is the legally registered owner
- Make sure the VIN on the vehicle matches the one on the owner’s permit
- Request or buy a Used Vehicle Information Package and check the lien/debt information
- Look for obvious signs of damage and have your mechanic inspect the vehicle for you
- Test drive the vehicle
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