What are the methods to find the person who scratched my car?
4 Answers
Here is a detailed introduction to methods for finding the perpetrator if your car is scratched: 1. Use a dashcam: Many dashcams have a feature that allows them to continue working after the car is parked, operating at a very low power. If your car is maliciously scratched while parked, you will have evidence to report to the police, and the traffic police can help locate the owner. 2. Seek help from security guards and property management: If your car is parked in a paid parking lot, you can request assistance from the property management. They can use on-site surveillance to find the perpetrator. 3. If parked in an area without surveillance: You can call 122, which is the emergency number for traffic accident reports. After calling, traffic police will usually arrive at the scene to provide assistance.
I’ve also experienced my car getting scratched while parked on the roadside before, and I immediately checked the surveillance footage. Residential areas usually have property management cameras, while in commercial districts, you can ask nearby shops—many store owners have installed cameras. If there are eyewitnesses, that’s even better. In my case, the owner of a nearby liquor store saw a white SUV reversing and scraping my car’s rear bumper, and he noted down the license plate number. If the cameras didn’t capture it, filing a police report is also an option—traffic police can access the city’s surveillance system. However, you must act quickly, as surveillance footage is typically retained for no more than three days. Once you identify the responsible party, remember to take photos as evidence, including the scratch location and the other party’s license plate, so you have proof for compensation negotiations. Whenever possible, park in areas with visible cameras to avoid future hassles.
I have experience in finding the culprit when my car gets scratched. First, check if there are any clues left by the other vehicle on your car. For example, residual paint color on the scratch or the height can help deduce the model. Once, I found a bit of blue paint on the scratch, about the height of the rearview mirror, so I guessed it was a blue sedan. Then, immediately look around the area to see if there's a matching car parked nearby. Remember to take photos of the scene, including the wheel position, scratch details, and surroundings, as these can all be clues. Also, leverage your network—post a message in your friend circle or community group; someone might have captured it on video. If you really can't find the culprit, consider installing a dashcam with parking surveillance for next time, so you won't have to worry.
Don't panic when encountering such situations. The first step is to assess the extent of the vehicle damage. If the scratches are minor, DIY repairs won't be expensive; for serious damage, you'll need to file a claim with the other party. The key is to preserve evidence at the scene—use your phone to record clear videos from multiple angles, especially including nearby store signs or road markers for later location verification. Then, approach nearby merchants or security guards; last time my car was scratched, it was the convenience store owner who provided crucial information. Nowadays, many communities have incomplete camera coverage, so don't rely solely on surveillance. If the perpetrator can't be found, you'll have to report it to your insurance, though next year's premium might increase. In the long run, taking a few extra steps to park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras will give you more peace of mind.
