Raleigh police are finding criminals who build “Frankenstein cars” by putting stolen parts from expensive vehicles onto legally bought frames of cheaper cars. Police Lieutenant Thomas Zlockie compared it to Mary Shelley‘s novel where a scientist builds a monster from different body parts. The criminals legally buy the frame of a lower-end car to get proper paperwork, then steal a higher-end model and take it apart for valuable parts, then reassemble everything to make it look like an expensive car.
In July, an officer found a 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk worth $82,600, but the frame’s VIN number showed it was actually a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee worth only $9,000 to $12,000. Caleb Jones, 28, was charged with altering serial numbers and having stolen property. Police warn that innocent buyers who purchase these cars will lose both their money and the vehicle when it’s discovered. Police suggest buyers ask for documents like Carfax reports, since sellers often avoid buyers who request paperwork.
Source: WRAL
