Medusa Jayne.. any updates??

There are a few 'known' thieves around, and it's amazing how thefts cease while they are inside.  Stripping a car and selling the bits on feeBay, forums, Facebook marketplace, Facebook selling pages, Mini Show autojumbles etc, returns a far, far bigger profit than a quick reVIN as you need to have a legitimate VIN to use and carries higher risk.

A bloke I know locally was making tidy profits from buying running MPi's and breaking them, and that was 10 years ago - if you can make money buying a car at £5k and stripping it, you're well into profit if you've pinched it, especially as prices have skyrocketed since then.

I'd suggest that the OP keeps her eyes on The Mini Forum For Sale section, and the various FB Mini selling pages to see if she can spot any easily identifiable bits being offered for sale.

The key phrase in the stolen Mini thread is: "brand new Heritage shell!" Brand new shell will have NO hidden VIN, NO stamped gutter, NO identifiable marks on the body. ReVIN eligible! Just a thought, but that's my opinion. Sad that you lost your car, but I think it would be easier for the thief to make a quick nickel on it rather than a slow dime. In other words, sell it whole and walk away with 100% profit, if only a few hundred quid. Stripping it takes time and the longer a thief hangs on to something stolen, the greater the chances of getting caught. No, I think a wise thief would ReVIN it and move on.

Ditto Jim and BC.
If miss informed posters only knew what it took nowadays to export a car from another Country to the USA they would not post this crap.
I am not saying it cannot be done it can with ANY vehicle but the far cheaper options and chance for a lot more profit are on the thiefs doorstep, there is no reason for them to spend $1200 plus on shipping a stolen Mini here on a maybe when the whole of Europe is open to them.

also check with HM  revenue and customs  

kermy.. NO way it will come to the USA.  or even leave the UK..  as British Customs ( HM Revenue Customs) will check the vin number in the rail gutter..  just like they check ALL the land rovers confidential vin number on the Frame on inner wing on right side.  I just HAPPEN to know the Scotland Yard Chief inspector at the port of Southampton..( imagine that??) later bc

And you know this because?  For your info....it's probably as profitable now to strip a stolen classic Mini in the UK, and sell it bit by bit on Fleabay.  It's also a damned sight easier, and cheaper, to take it over the English Channel.
Once in France you can drive almost anywhere unchecked, until you hit Russia.  Lots of options out there.
Last Mini I took to get Vin Verified in Florida was thoroughly inspected by DMV operative, who certainly knew what, and where to look for Date Stamps, and 2nd Vin. My sympathies go to the owner who has lost her pride and joy.

Another reVIN for the good old USA.

thank you - will do

Hate to hear this?/  did you contact UK border police?? as they check BOTH vins.. if they try to export it..  later bc

My 1998 Rover mini cooper was stolen in Bristol last night (16th May 2019). At the time of theft it was BR Green with usual white roof (but no bonnet stripes). Its number plate was R905 NKV. I guess it is being repsrayed even as we speak but it has recently been restored in a new heritage shell, which is easily spotted by extra anti-rust treatment underneath. Please be suspicious if offered it. Goes without saying that I am utterly gutted.