Here is how I have done it before.


Hey johnny how are you doing. good and you. everything quite on the street today. Yep hope it stays that way.
Got a favor to ask. I'll buy you dinner for it. Can you run these numbers for me and see if they are stolen or wanted for a bank robbery. (handing him a piece of paper with make model and serial numbers on them)

He laughs and say give me a minute. pulls up the ole computer or his phone and types them in or makes a call. 1 minute later you have your answer.

Helps if you know one but I have not heard of one yet that if not busy would not check them in their system.