your actions would probably not be illegal. They might, however, be unlawful.
I need that bit explaining to me.
Very topical point Howard, what with Brexit approaching...
UK Common Law allows that if something isn't specifically prohibited (illegal under criminal law) it may be allowable, notwithstanding that someone else may challenge that under either civil law or under criminal law as a result of further actions.
In other words, we do not have a 'Roman' law system such as in Europe where the legal system is a series of statutes and if something isn't specifically permitted under statute it is illegal. Under UK common law, if something isn't specifically prohibited, it may be done, subject to the right of others to challenge
In the vehicle VIN plate & Logbook example, it may not be illegal to keep these from a scrapped car, use these to rebuild another or even sell these to someone else, but you would leave yourself open to challenges of unlawful action or even criminal intent if you were a party to the misrepresentation of the provenence of a vehicle.
NB -
I am not a lawyer (and there are some on here who are and will jump in and correct me) - just don't send a bill!!
