Having your vehicle documents stolen is a source of administrative hassle. But it can go further. The Mons police have a few tips to give you.
In recent days, the Boraine Police Zone (Boussu, Colfontaine, Frameries, Quaregnon and Saint-Ghislain) noted an increase in theft of papers from vehicles.
Beyond the administrative concerns that this represents for the owner of the vehicle, we should ask ourselves what the scammers can do with their on-board documents. “Fraudsters can try to swindle insurance using stolen documents or register a stolen vehicle“, warns the area communications department.
It also gives some advice. “We strongly advise you not to leave your papers in your vehicle. Take them with you as soon as you leave your car! Of course, it is not forbidden to make photocopies of your documents, but they cannot be presented to a police officer during a roadside check. So always be in possession of the original documents. And keep the copies at home in case you need to report theft or loss“.
Also, many people forget that the registration certificate is now printed in duplicate: you should detach one of the two parts and keep it at home.
If it’s already too late and your documents have been stolen, Here’s the procedure to follow :
- Report as quickly as possible to the police station to report the facts.
- The declaration must be made by the holder of the registration mark (ie the person whose name appears on the registration certificate), and the vehicle concerned must be presented to the police.
- If only part of a two-part registration certificate has been lost or stolen, the part which is still in your possession must be presented during your declaration, the police will stamp it and give you this document which must then be be attached to the certificate that will be issued to you.
- You will need this declaration certificate to transmit it to the Vehicle Registration Division (DIV) in order to request a duplicate of the registration certificate.
- This request must be made using a “registration request” form (which you can obtain from your insurer) within two weeks of the declaration.
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