F&I Management & Training

The Government has said it will introduce a new version of the V5C document - commonly known as a vehicle's log book.

All cars registered from August 15 will receive the new V5C.

From the middle of 2011, the document will also be issued to all remaining vehicles when they are re-licensed or declared to be off the road.

AVCIS, the Association of Chief Police Officer’s Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, has applauded the move, which follows the theft of a large number of blank V5C vehicle ‘Registered Keeper’ documents in 2006.

Tthere is concern that there may be a significant number of these log books still in circulation.

To date, AVCIS has recovered in excess of 1,330 vehicles with a value of more than £15 million.

Head of AVCIS, detective chief inspector Mark Hooper said: “AVCIS has been working very closely with the DVLA to redesign the new V5C, which also now contains enhanced security measures and a clear reminder that a V5C should not be considered as proof of ownership.

"We expect that phasing out the old log books will reduce the chances of stolen cars being cloned and sold on to innocent motorists, who presently lose their money and their newly-purchased car.

“We will continue to monitor forgeries using the old style documents and arrest the people responsible but we urge motorists to follow our advice when buying second-hand cars. Above all, remember the old adage that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

The stolen V5Cs are recognisable as having a slightly different background colour on the Notification of Permanent Export (V5C/4) tear-off slip on the second page, which looks mauve on the front and pink on the reverse. On legitimate documents they should be mauve on both sides.