A Reality: License Plate Reverse Look-ups

[RSBob]

There has been many threads on the perceived threat of showing our plates on-line. Some people say always block out the numbers and others say, why bother there is no threat?

Recently I have become aware of an increasing number of sites like this:

#1 License Plate Search | Reverse License Plate LookupPerform an instant and private search for any license plate owner. The web's most reliable database with over 285 Million vehicle owner's records.

I am too cheap to spend the $30 to see how legit these are - but in the info age, anything is possible. And to think of it $30 is a pretty cheap price to locate a nice 911 to steal while the owner is away. I may have to rethink what I have posted do a little erasing.

[RoninLB]

it's tough to figure

a tasteful crook could go to a concours or a repair shop and have a good time writing down plates

then again a hidden gps transmitter unit to your computer is pretty cheap

etc etc

[RSBob]

I have often wondered why more crooks don't break into cars and steal their registration (address info) and garage door openers (entry into said address). If the crook beats the car owner home - which they most certainly will because the broken windowed car owner will be trying to resolve that and probably won't miss the missing items - for a while - unless there is an alarm system is said car (no real deterrant) or said home - they will make off with goods before anyone is the wiser.

[rattlsnak]

It's basically playing the odds. Too many houses, not enough crooks. Lol!!

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by RSBob

I have often wondered why more crooks don't break into cars and steal their registration (address info) and garage door openers (entry into said address). If the crook beats the car owner home -

a few years ago on Long Island a group of guys would steal cars from valet restaurants etc and use the car's gps to find "home" which was always logged in. The car keys had the house keys attached.

[nesslar]

One word, for both home and autos: Insurance
And maybe a S&W or three (and I ain't talkin' root beer)......

[74-911]

Originally Posted by RSBob

I have often wondered why more crooks don't break into cars and steal their registration (address info) and garage door openers (entry into said address). If the crook beats the car owner home - which they most certainly will because the broken windowed car owner will be trying to resolve that and probably won't miss the missing items - for a while - unless there is an alarm system is said car (no real deterrant) or said home - they will make off with goods before anyone is the wiser.

I don't recall the exact timeframe but at one point (seems like it was back in the 90's) there was a real problem with theives looking for garage door openers on the sun visors in cars parked in long term lots at airports. Would then steal the opener and the insurance info out of the glove compartment which had the home address. It was a big enough problem that some states required auto insurance id cards not have the home address printed on the cards.

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by RSBob

I have often wondered why more crooks don't break into cars and steal their registration (address info) and garage door openers (entry into said address).

Maybe they do.

NEVER keep your registration in the car. It belongs in your wallet with your insurance card.

[RarlyL8]

... and when I get home I can clean up what's left of the *********s after my Rots get finished with them.

[Craig_D]

My dog doesn't care how you got into my house, she just knows that if I'm not there too, you don't belong!

- Craig

[rfloz]

While you can never stop a really determined thief, there are a couple of things you can do to slow them down:

1. My cars are registered to my P.O. box.

2. I never, ever use valet parking. Way too many horror stories (e.g., my buddy's bent Alfa Romeo).

3. Unless someone else frequently drive your car, keep the insurance card and registration in your wallet.

4. Our German Shepard mix is very territorial.

5. When you are away from home, unplug the garage door opener and run a bolt through the door to the floor or sides of the garage door.

6. Keep your wheel lock key on your key ring.

7. Pull the main fuse.

8. Get agreed replacement cost insurance.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by 74-911

I don't recall the exact timeframe but at one point (seems like it was back in the 90's) there was a real problem with theives looking for garage door openers on the sun visors in cars parked in long term lots at airports. Would then steal the opener and the insurance info out of the glove compartment which had the home address. It was a big enough problem that some states required auto insurance id cards not have the home address printed on the cards.

Interesting. I just registered a truck and the DMV gave me two registrations, one with my address and one without "To keep in the truck." I thought, "WTH??"
Now I know. Thanks.

[jimbauman]

Originally Posted by RSBob

T
#1 License Plate Search | Reverse License Plate LookupPerform an instant and private search for any license plate owner. The web's most reliable database with over 285 Million vehicle owner's records.

I am too cheap to spend the $30 to see how legit these are - but in the info age, anything is possible. And to think of it $30 is a pretty cheap price to locate a nice 911 to steal while the owner is away. I may have to rethink what I have posted do a little erasing.

A partial scam. They lead you to believe you can get info on just about any plate, but in California (and probably other states), that info is highly restricted. You used to be able to get info by going into DMV and filling out a form, but since the stalking and murder of actress Rebecca Schaefer buy a guy who found out where she lived thru the DMV, it's pretty much impossible (legally).

JB

[schumicat]

probably 80% of cars have no garage door opener in them. many that do are built into the car (mercedes homelink for example). the thief would have to be industrious to pursue your strategy in the hope of getting an easy entry once in a while, risking getting caught breaking into a car each time. most thieves are lazy. and it is also a big jump to assume no one will be home because one car is not home.

Originally Posted by RSBob

I have often wondered why more crooks don't break into cars and steal their registration (address info) and garage door openers (entry into said address). If the crook beats the car owner home - which they most certainly will because the broken windowed car owner will be trying to resolve that and probably won't miss the missing items - for a while - unless there is an alarm system is said car (no real deterrant) or said home - they will make off with goods before anyone is the wiser.

[Mr9146]

Live your life and protect your assets.

Become an active member of the NRA and let the chips fall where they may...

[nineball]

Originally Posted by Mr9146

Live your life and protect your assets.

Become an active member of the NRA and let the chips fall where they may...

who is going to shoot the gun when you are not there?

[RarlyL8]

I keep thinking of how the Rots know the sound of the garage door and run to the pantry waiting for us to come in. I can only imagine what would happen if someone else came in that door, ha!

[Mr9146]

Originally Posted by nineball

who is going to shoot the gun when you are not there?

My neighbors.

Veterans and crazy people can be very handy ...

[whiterabbit]

I am in the security business so here is my advice:

Always have a PO box and register your car to it and your drivers license and credit cards/bank accounts/subscriptions etc. Also use this as a mailing address for car insurance.

Make sure you put your house papers in an LLC and not your real name. This protects your privacy and your personal liability.

Be aware pretty much anyone with a few bucks get get all your personal information from lexis nexus or similar so control what is out there......................

[notmytarga]

For the real worriers - try this. Don't use a normal remote. Keep one of those PIN pads used outside your garage door at home. Keeps the stolen remote from working for a homebound thief. Also - program your GPS so that home is really a place close by (that you know how to get back from ) My GPS is programmed to have HOME be the local fire station because it is closer than the Police Station. That would kinda send a wake up call to a would-be thief. As for not keeping registration handy - I really don't want to NOT have it when it is needed for an accident/ticket. Maybe blacking out the address would be tolerated.......