I see what you’re saying. And I can’t imagine cops can be bothered with checking serial numbers on transmissions, blocks etc. Is there something omitted from the story?
I have no idea. Maybe. Maybe they’re having a rash of car thefts where the cars get parted out and kids like these buy them. I can see that as a rationale for being more aware of the issue and alert to look for suspicious things that might be used in an investigation or trial, but not for suspension of the BOR.