UP to three number plates are stolen from cars on the Mornington Peninsula every week by people planning to commit crimes and steal petrol, according to police.
The number plate thefts has prompted police to urge car owners to change to one-way, anti-theft number plate screws, and keep cars in garages where possible.
Detective Senior Sergeant Alan Paxton from Mornington Peninsula CIU said two to three number plates are stolen from cars on the peninsula weekly, and was a major concern for police and car owners.
“It is a major inconvenience for car owners, as they can’t drive the car without a number plate and it is unlikely they will have the cost covered by insurance,” he said.
“It’s also a big problem for police as it is likely that the plates will be used to steal petrol or commit crimes.”
Detective Paxton said people who had their number plates stolen should report the theft immediately.
People driving without number plates could be fined $144 and be given three demerit points.
First published in the Western Port News – 10 January 2017
