Part of the £4.99 full history report

Check for a recorded theft marker

Check the recorded theft status before committing to a used car. It is included in the £4.99 full history report, alongside finance and write-off records.

Start with the free MOT and mileage check. Confirm the vehicle, then choose the full report for £4.99. This paid history check is not included in the free result.

What the theft check covers

The theft marker returned by our paid data provider for the vehicle.
Available status, reporting force and date details.
Clear advice to stop and investigate an adverse or unconfirmed result.

This is a check of supplied records, not direct public access to police systems or a guarantee that a vehicle is not stolen. New theft reports can take time to appear. A cloned vehicle can carry another car’s apparently clear identity.

Explore a sample report

What to do with the result

Check the physical identity
Compare the registration, make, model and VIN in the documents with the actual car. Check more than one physical VIN location where accessible; copied plates alone cannot identify the vehicle.
Investigate anything that conflicts
An altered identifier, missing document or inconsistent seller explanation needs independent investigation. Do not use a clear database result to dismiss a physical mismatch.
Pause if a theft marker appears
Do not proceed with the purchase. Use official police contact channels for advice and keep a copy of the advert and relevant documents. Avoid confronting a seller if you feel unsafe.

Questions before you check

Is this an official police checking service?: No. Plateworthy is an independent vehicle-history service. The report shows records supplied through its commercial data provider, with any available theft details.
Does no theft record rule out cloning?: No. A cloned car can display a legitimate car’s registration and other identifiers. A report must be combined with checks of the vehicle, seller and original documents.
Can I check theft status without buying the report?: The free Plateworthy check includes MOT and mileage evidence only. The provider’s theft check is included in the one-off £4.99 full history report.

Sources and next steps

Reviewed 15 October 2026 by Plateworthy. General guidance; verify the vehicle and documents before buying.

Getting things ready

Lining up the next part of your vehicle check.

Check for a recorded theft marker

Check the recorded theft status before committing to a used car. It is included in the £4.99 full history report, alongside finance and write-off records.

Start with the free MOT and mileage check. Confirm the vehicle, then choose the full report for £4.99. This paid history check is not included in the free result.

What the theft check covers

The theft marker returned by our paid data provider for the vehicle.

Available status, reporting force and date details.

Clear advice to stop and investigate an adverse or unconfirmed result.

Explore a sample report

What to do with the result

Check the physical identity

Compare the registration, make, model and VIN in the documents with the actual car. Check more than one physical VIN location where accessible; copied plates alone cannot identify the vehicle.

Investigate anything that conflicts

An altered identifier, missing document or inconsistent seller explanation needs independent investigation. Do not use a clear database result to dismiss a physical mismatch.

Pause if a theft marker appears

Do not proceed with the purchase. Use official police contact channels for advice and keep a copy of the advert and relevant documents. Avoid confronting a seller if you feel unsafe.

Questions before you check

Is this an official police checking service?

No. Plateworthy is an independent vehicle-history service. The report shows records supplied through its commercial data provider, with any available theft details.

Does no theft record rule out cloning?

No. A cloned car can display a legitimate car’s registration and other identifiers. A report must be combined with checks of the vehicle, seller and original documents.

Can I check theft status without buying the report?

The free Plateworthy check includes MOT and mileage evidence only. The provider’s theft check is included in the one-off £4.99 full history report.