Macon County Law Enforcement Center (MCLC) Comprehensive State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Macon County Law Enforcement Test. Engage with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel!

Practice this question and more.

What type of theft is characterized by altering a vehicle's identification number?

Retagged vehicle
Insurance fraud
Theft to order
Transportation

The correct answer is: Retagged vehicle

Altering a vehicle's identification number (VIN) is commonly associated with the term "retagged vehicle." This type of theft typically involves taking a stolen vehicle and changing its VIN to disguise its true identity, making it difficult for law enforcement to recognize it as stolen. By doing so, the thief can potentially sell the vehicle without raising suspicion. The significance of altering a VIN lies in the fact that the VIN is a unique code assigned to every vehicle, which serves as a fingerprint for identification purposes. When someone modifies this number, it not only indicates an attempt to conceal the vehicle's origin but also raises serious legal and ethical concerns. Recognizing a retagged vehicle as theft is essential for understanding the methods criminals use to facilitate vehicle-related crimes, which can include resale, chop shops, or other illegal activities.