More than 300 Canberra drivers are better protected against number plate theft after ACT Policing’s Project Safe Plate was conducted over the weekend (Saturday May 31).

During a four hour fitting operation in the City, police re-secured the number plates of 301 resident’s vehicles, up from 176 vehicles last year, with special one-way screws designed to reduce the prevalence of plate theft.

Chief Police Officer for the ACT Rudi Lammers, who came along to assist members, said it was an impressive effort and one which hopefully will be measured in a reduced number of plate thefts in the future.

“Every number plate theft we can prevent has the potential to further reduce crime in the ACT,” Assistant Commissioner Lammers said.

“I think the community recognises that they can make a big difference in assisting us to drive down other crimes such as petrol drive-offs, burglaries and traffic offences.”

Police also handed out free ice-scrapers designed to remove frost from car windscreens which were very popular with motorists.

Assistant Commissioner Lammers joined AFP recruits, police members from City Police station and Volunteers in Policing on the day.

Project Safe Plate events will be held throughout the year by each ACT Policing police station, with Gungahlin Police Station to hold the event next on Saturday June 21. http://www.police.act.gov.au/community/community-events.aspx.