Abandoned vehicles

Before you report an abandoned vehicle, you must collect as much information as possible.

Over 90% of reports that we receive are for vehicles that are not abandoned. If you are aware that the vehicle has an owner then it cannot be determined as an abandoned vehicle.

The following points should help you make a judgement:

• check if the vehicle is untaxed (opens in new tab)
• are any of the tyres flat or have any of the wheels been removed?
• is there any evidence (litter or weeds/leaves under the vehicle), suggesting that it has not been moved for some time?
• is the windscreen or any of the windows broken?
• is there any mould on either the inside or outside the vehicle?
• does the vehicle contain items of waste, for example tyres, old newspapers, general rubbish?
• does the vehicle have number plates?
• has the vehicle been vandalised? Exterior vandalism might include dents in bodywork, or bumpers or spoilers being removed. Interior vandalism might include the radio being stolen, seat covers being slashed.

If the vehicle is on private land, we need the landowner's permission before we can investigate. You must be the landowner to report a vehicle on private land or a private car park.

Report an abandoned vehicle

You should only report a vehicle if, after completing the checklist above, there are clear signs that it may be abandoned. Reports relating to vehicles that do not meet the criteria, or where an owner is known, will not normally be investigated.

If the vehicle meets the criteria and you believe it is abandoned, you can report it to us using our online form.

Do not enter the abandoned vehicle

Abandoned vehicles can be dangerous. They may contain hazardous waste, pose a fire risk or be linked to criminal activity. In such cases, the police may seize them for investigation.

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