Changing the engine number on a Stolen Recovered Bike

[dieseldawie]

Friend of mine had his BIL Harley stolen from his from garden last weekend. Police recovered it the next day hidden in bushes nearby.
Its in the police pound, but they say they have to stamp it with a new engine number, or add another digit or something before they can come collect it.

Is this true and if so what is the reason??

 

[Beebop]

 

[ClimbingTurtle]

 

[bernard@colorweisnursery]

 

[adamktm]

 

[hando]

 

[silvrav]

 

[TCS]

 

[KHay88]

 

[dieseldawie]

 

[King Louis]

 

[bronzy]