Crime Prevention Advice - Stolen Number Plates

Crime Prevention Advice - Stolen Number Plates

Good Afternoon Resident,

Vehicle registration plates are often targeted by criminals because they can be used to help commit further offences, avoid detection, or disguise the identity of another vehicle.

Taking a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of your plates being stolen.

🔍 Why Do Criminals Steal Number Plates?

🚗 To place on another vehicle involved in crime.

⛽ To avoid paying for fuel, parking charges, tolls or congestion fees.

📸 To evade ANPR cameras and speed enforcement.

🔄 To disguise stolen vehicles using cloned registration details.

✅ How to Protect Your Number Plates

🔩 Use anti-theft or tamper-resistant screws to secure your plates.

🏠 Park in a garage or secure, well-lit area whenever possible.

📹 Consider CCTV, video doorbells or motion-activated lighting around your property.

👀 Regularly check that your number plates are present and securely attached.

🚙 Be aware of your vehicle when parked for long periods in public locations.

⚠️ Signs Your Number Plates May Have Been Cloned

📬 You receive parking fines, speeding notices or other penalties for places you have never visited.

🚔 Police enquiries relating to incidents involving a vehicle matching your registration.

📍 Reports of your vehicle being seen in locations where it has not been.

🚨 What To Do If Your Number Plates Are Stolen

📞 Report the theft to the police as soon as possible.

📄 Keep a record of your crime reference number.

🚗 Inform the DVLA if necessary and seek advice on replacing your plates.

📬 If you receive fines or notices linked to the stolen plates, contact the issuing authority and explain the circumstances.

📸 Take photographs of your vehicle showing where the plates have been removed.

💙 Remember

Stolen number plates are often used to facilitate further criminality. Reporting the theft promptly can help protect you from being linked to offences committed by others.

📢 Tell us what's affecting your community. Complete our Local Matters Survey and let us know which crime and anti-social behaviour issues concern you most. Your feedback helps shape local policing priorities.