How Find Out if Something is Lost or Stolen- Looking for Good Website

I've only been looking at Craigslist for a few months now and hear all kinds of stories about hot merchandise, scams, etc. on their site. Let's say I see something that looks good and the gently used price is much lower than the new price. I'd like to consider buying it, but want to do some homework first before meeting someone to buy it. I don't have anything I'm buying now on Craigslist (most stuff I get is free).

But it would be nice to know. I figure there are dealers here who receive autos and want to check the VIN numbers first to make sure the cars aren't stolen. This website hopefully would have the following types of items listed for all around the United States:

Autos
Rare coins that are in holders by PCGS or NGC
Watches (high end such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, etc.)
iPhones and other Apple stuff
Stereo equipment
TV sets
GoPro cameras
And much more

I tried using the Search function on this site and typed Stolen Property Database". I got 12 pages of results, but nothing that was really good.

I realize another obstacle for some of these items (i.e., watches and coins) is verifying that they are not counterfeit. What is a good, free site to go to?

from what i know, it seems what youre asking about, does not exist.
at least not for ordinary ppl/civilians.

it sounds like something the police or FBI might have access to.
and that too, u have to keep in mind that many crimes are not even reported or the owners dont yet know the item has been stolen...so the police etc dont even know about it.

my own rule is that if it doesnt feel right or i see some clear signs that something is stolen or even if i know the person isnt very honest, i wont deal with them- no matter what a bargain it might be.

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Originally Posted by recyclersteve

I've only been looking at Craigslist for a few months now and hear all kinds of stories about hot merchandise, scams, etc. on their site. Let's say I see something that looks good and the gently used price is much lower than the new price. I'd like to consider buying it, but want to do some homework first before meeting someone to buy it. I don't have anything I'm buying now on Craigslist (most stuff I get is free).

But it would be nice to know. I figure there are dealers here who receive autos and want to check the VIN numbers first to make sure the cars aren't stolen. This website hopefully would have the following types of items listed for all around the United States:

I realize another obstacle for some of these items (i.e., watches and coins) is verifying that they are not counterfeit. What is a good, free site to go to?

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I had the same concern when I started buying certain electronics as my prices were very good on mostly laptops and RAM. I called the local police to see if they had a database that could help reduce the risk of hot merchandise. They simply sent an email stating "if you receive stolen merchandise call the police immediately". But how am I supposed to KNOW if the items are stolen?! You may want to ask your local police department and see if they have a database set up for items. Another place to look is on those facebook stolen items pages where people post if an item was stolen. It won't cover everything that's been stolen, but who knows you may get lucky and find one.

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Originally Posted by msmoorad

my own rule is that if it doesnt feel right or i see some clear signs that something is stolen or even if i know the person isnt very honest, i wont deal with them- no matter what a bargain it might be.

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AMEN to that !!

I deal mostly with cars
If they have the keys and title >> I assume they are the owner and all is good
If they have the keys OR the title >> I will take the car and I also get a photo of there drivers license with the vin in photo. I also am looking for some proof they do own the car >> Something like old paper work for car insurance or registration with their name and information on it >> also the location of the pickup must be the same as on there license.
If they have no keys and no title >> I have the police meet me at the car and run the VIN. If it does not show as stolen >> the above rules apply I will take the car and I also get a photo of there drivers license with the vin in photo. I also am looking for some proof they do own the car >> Something like old paper work for car insurance or registration with their name and information on it >> also the location of the pickup must be the same as on there license.

In NewZealand. I just call the main Police station of the town/city I'm in & ask if I can check a serial # of the item. There's a special serial number n cellphones.
They check the number & so far all that's happened is that they have said "That numbers not listed in our database" in a bored tone.
I'm not sure what happens if it is 'listed'. I'm not really interested in getting involved if it is listed, except to get the item to them, unless there's some other crime involved that would nessistate extra info (like murder).
Ok I loose what I paid for it, the owner gets it back, That's about it.

For cars here. We have a database setup where you can check the numberplates for car details, body & engine tag #, model/colour/year, when it's been checked for WOF,, if it passed & the Kms at the time. If it's listed as 'Stolen'.
It's also handy as car part retailers/wreckers can use it to identify your car 100% to make absolute sure the part the are supplying is the correct one for your vehicle.
For a extra $30 you can get a detailed report of if there's money owed to finance company's for the car, or if it's been used as collateral for a loan.
When you buy a car here. Both seller & buyer fill out forms & either post them to Vehicle registrations, or take it into the local Post Office.
The buyer pays $10 & ownership title is changed immediately & reciepts & paperwork (plastic slip with transfer details on it) are given in return. This is the best way to do it.

I have heard nightmares about $$ being owed by previous owners of cars who have used the car to get cash loans.
Even to the point where the old owners have filled out a loan paperwork & got it passed, but not signed it.
Then while the owner & buyer are about to walk into the Post office to do the change of ownership paperwork, the sellers ducked out to the loanshop next door for a minute, signed the loan, then returned to the Post office to do the, now false, change of ownership..
. Yes we do have a Meth problem here now too...

If you are buying something for cash, meet up with the seller outside your local Police station, in its security camera area.
If they don't want to do that.. It sounds dodgy enough already.

Having a UV torch is handy. Sometimes there's UV writing on electrical items. I have found it before. These days it's not so common. But with UV LEDs a torch is a $10, even less, item.
And handy to have. Engine coolants UV reactive, find that leak....So is tonic water.& other liquids. I 'mark' my scrap metal with flourescent builders chaulk powder (string line powder) even the tiniest speck shows up in the dark, incase it gets stolen, it leaves a trail too. Wherever it's been, specks drop off & stay there unseen untill the UV hits it.

It seems like there is an opportunity here for some enterprising person with resources to create a comprehensive website for stolen items that is free for all to use and can be used all around the country. The thought of each police department having their own list is, frankly, unacceptable. What do you do in a major metropolitan area that has dozens of suburbs? Check each one individually? Cmon! And, of course, it is worse yet when the person crosses state lines. I would imagine that police departments would eventually find that a centralized system would be easier for them rather than looking things up individually every time a person calls. And that could be used with the site owner as a way to fund the website. I imagine there are some wealthy people who have been victims of theft that would love to see something done about it- and would pay to do so. Or they could pay $ to invest in stock in a new business like this.

I'm sure there would be someone who would try to cheat the system somehow. As to the notion that cheating could happen, I ask this. Which would you rather have- Craigslist as it is with fraudulent deals and it's obvious warts, or nothing? I'd choose the flawed CL any day.

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Originally Posted by recyclersteve

a comprehensive website for stolen items that is free for all to use and can be used all around the country.

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You're asking a lot for free.

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I imagine there are some wealthy people who have been victims of theft that would love to see something done about it- and would pay to do so.

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No, they wouldn't. Wealthy people have everything of value insured.