What should be verified before concluding that a vehicle is abandoned?

Verifying that there is no stolen record on file is essential before concluding that a vehicle is abandoned because it ensures lawful procedures are followed. If a vehicle is reported stolen, it may still be associated with a crime or an ongoing investigation, which takes precedence over abandonment status. Confirming that the vehicle's status is not linked to a theft allows law enforcement to correctly categorize the vehicle and take the appropriate actions, whether that means processing it as abandoned or returning it to its rightful owner. This verification is a crucial step that helps prevent potential legal complications and protects the rights of individuals who may still have an interest in the vehicle.