When should an entry be made into the TCIC Stored/Abandoned Vehicle file?

An entry into the TCIC Stored/Abandoned Vehicle file should be made when the owner of the vehicle cannot be located and there is no stolen record on file. This scenario indicates that the vehicle has been abandoned or left without a responsible party to claim it, which is the primary reason for entering the vehicle into this specific database.

The purpose of maintaining this file is to track vehicles that may need to be removed from public or private property due to abandonment, ensuring that law enforcement can manage potentially problematic situations efficiently. This process helps in maintaining public safety and tidiness in communities, as abandoned vehicles can become hazards or attract criminal activity.

Other choices do not fit the criteria for entering a vehicle into the TCIC Stored/Abandoned Vehicle file. For example, reporting a stolen vehicle typically involves a different procedure focused on theft recovery, while having a license plate or being vandalized does not necessarily indicate abandonment or the need for storage reporting.