Use public records to avoid buying stolen property (FL, TX)

Two states now allow you to check online to see whether a second-hand item is stolen before you make the mistake, or commit the crime, of buying it. Florida's system compiles information directly from law enforcement agencies, while Texas partners with a private Internet company which allows people who've had property stolen to add items to a database.


The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Public Access System. Law enforcement agencies throughout the state report stolen property information – the FBI shows nearly a half-million thefts a year in Florida – to FDLE, and it is listed in the public records database in categories such as guns, cars, boats and license plates. (A side note: The same page will allow you to search a person's name to find out whether they have any outstanding arrest warrants. I don't believe it includes misdemeanors, but I could be wrong.)

You don’t have to register to use the site, but unfortunately, you can only search by serial number, or by any number engraved on the item. There is no option for searching by general item type, or by description. If you find a stolen item on the site, it’s up to you to report it to the agency handling the case.

In Texas, the state Department of Public Safety and local police and sheriff’s departments works with Trace.com. When an owner has something stolen and reports it to the police, he can get the case number from public records, then go to the company's Web site. There, the owner puts in the case number, the name of the investigator, a description of the stolen property, including the serial number, if possible, and even a photo. The site will list most items, except automobiles, which I don't really understand.

You have to register to perform a search, but it’s a quick, simple process. Once in, just go to the search screen. The seller, if legitimate, should have had no problem supplying you with the serial number of the item, and you can search the site by that number, or by description. For example, type “TV” in the search box, and you’ll get multiple pages of stolen television listings, some with very specific descriptions, some with generic information.

If you spot stolen property, you can simply exit the system and walk away from the deal, or you can click a link that makes a report to the law enforcement agency handling the case. The site will log your IP and include it in the report, so keep that in mind. Obviously, you shouldn't try to take any action on your own. That's a good way to get a head knocking.

Remember, though, not every piece of stolen property is going to get listed in either state, so just because you don’t find anything in public records doesn’t mean that the item isn’t stolen.

Trust your instincts. If the serial numbers of an item have been removed, changed or scratched out; the paperwork and/or owner’s manuals are missing; and, the seller gets nervous when you ask where he got the item, you probably are going to get suspicious, and with good reason. Walk away.