What might a police officer look for to determine if a vehicle was stolen?

A police officer assessing whether a vehicle has been stolen would focus on damage that indicates forced entry. This type of damage can manifest as broken windows, smashed door locks, or other signs that someone unlawfully accessed the vehicle. Such physical evidence suggests that the vehicle may have been taken by force rather than simply abandoned by the owner.

While other factors like the owner's personal belongings or a missing security system might provide context, they do not directly indicate theft. New tires on a vehicle, although potentially suspect if they appear out of character for the vehicle, do not inherently show the act of theft. In contrast, signs of forced entry are a clear indicator that a crime may have occurred, making it a critical factor in determining if a vehicle was stolen.