The force's Stolen Vehicle Squad seized a stolen Audi valued at £10,000 in Accrington this week after a local man bought it in good faith and tried to register it at the DVLA.

It was found to have been originally stolen in Yorkshire in February before its identity was changed by a method known as cloning.

The innocent buyer had no idea he was buying a stolen car and is now left without the vehicle and a loss of several thousands of pounds which he is unlikely to recover.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary Stolen Vehicle Squad said: "This vehicle was cloned to a standard that would easily dupe most people into believing it was legitimate.

"Quite often potential purchasers of second hand cars conduct HPI checks and are satisfied if the check comes back clear. Services offered by companies like HPI check the databases for outstanding finance and stolen reports.

"However, this check is conducted from the registration number given. In this sense it is rather like accepting a person's identity just because they are wearing a name badge.

"That said, we strongly advise members of the public to continue conducting checks such as HPI, but be very wary of cash sales and buying in public places like car parks and fast food outlets. It is always worth having a vehicle examined by an expert from a reputable motoring organisation before making a purchase."

Anybody who has information about stolen vehicles being offered for sale is urged to report it to police on 08541 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.