ACT Policing is calling on the public to help stop number plate theft by having tamper-proof screws fitted to their vehicles to prevent becoming a target of the crime.

Launching Project Safe Plate for 2014 today, City Sergeant Jeff Knight encouraged motorists to bring their cars into the City and take the opportunity to have the screws replaced on their plates by ACT Policing at no charge.

“Police officers, recruits and volunteers will be ready and waiting with tools in hand to fit the plates for motorists tomorrow (Saturday 31 May) from 10am-2pm at the Canberra Theatre car park in the City,” Sergeant Knight said.

“Numberplate theft is not only inconvenient for vehicle owners, but it also makes it more difficult for police to identify and apprehend offenders who use stolen plates for criminal activity.

“With 1237 incidents of number plate thefts last year, we need to make it harder for thieves to target plates who use them to avoid detection when committing other offences such as burglaries, robberies and traffic offences.

“When someone steals your vehicle registration plates, you effectively become a victim of identity theft. Offenders then use your identity in an attempt to disguise their criminal intent.”

Police also said around one third of all petrol drive-offs are carried out by vehicles with stolen plates.
Project Safe Plate will be held across Canberra throughout the year. To find out when the project will be near you visit: http://www.police.act.gov.au/community/community-events.aspx