Throwing a Wrench at the ‘Chop Shop’

After at least five years of debate and many compromises, Congress passed and the President signed into law last fall a measure that is expected to eventually become a major weapon in law enforcement’s battle against “chop shop” operators who dismantle stolen autos and sell their parts.

In simplest terms, the Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984 requires automobile manufacturers to stamp identifying numbers onto all major parts of passenger car lines with the highest theft rates.

Passenger cars have carried such markings for many years, but with few exceptions only engines and transmissions were so stamped. Thus there has been no way to identify other major parts removed from cars, and as a result expert dismantlers--”chop shoppers”--could sell parts almost risk free.

Under the new federal law, not only engines and transmissions, but also doors, hoods, grilles, bumpers, fenders, rear-quarter panels, frames and supporting structures will carry identifying numbers derived from the vehicle identification numbers. The law will apply only to passenger autos that are above the median line in ratio of thefts.

Police say that although the bill is not as comprehensive as they would have liked, it will go a long way toward making their job easier. But, they say, it will be years before it really becomes effective.

Sources in the Department of Transportation estimate that it will be at least 1987 before the markings are actually stamped on new models.