According to experts, most stolen cars are dismantled within minutes after the theft. This happens in garages located in the outskirts of the capital, and on the very same day, the car parts are sent to hiding places or scrapyards. The reason for the thieves’ swift actions is that by the time the car is officially reported stolen and the investigation begins, the vehicle has already been sold off in parts. This is one of the factors contributing to the low clearance rate for these crimes.
With the introduction of special registries for car repair shops and scrapyards, the origin of every single part will be traceable. The plan is to allow only large car parts with a clear origin to be installed in garages. After the changes, primarily fenders, hoods, doors, and other similar parts will be mounted. Many parts are marked by manufacturers, which allows authorities to track where they were disassembled and who sold them during inspections. “This will disrupt car theft schemes where stolen vehicles are dismantled and sold in parts.”
Tackling the grey economy is also among the intended outcomes. Issuing a warranty will now have to be accompanied by a receipt for the completed service. A large number of repair shops harm the environment by not complying with the legal regulations for collecting waste oil, tires, filters, and batteries.
The demand for used parts also fuels the existence of scrapyards where cars are dismantled. However, the greater problem contributing to the poor condition of the vehicle fleet in the country is the superficial nature of annual technical inspections—not the use of second-hand parts for repairs.