Make sure your number plate is safe

Reporter: Nicole Bradley
Date online: 25 January 2011

Because of a mass of number plate thefts in the Prestwich and Whitefield areas, motorists in Bury are being urged to follow simple crime prevention advice.

Motorists are being advised by officers to fit ‘one way’ screws to their number plates, as they are more difficult to unscrew than regular number plate screws. The extra time it takes to dismantle the number plate is thought to discourage thieves. There are also anti-theft number plates, which disintegrate if attempts are made to remove them from a vehicle.

Plates that have been stolen are quite often fitted onto other vehicles, sometimes to conceal the identity of the driver when they are used to commit an offence.

They can also get stolen to evade traffic offences, such as speeding fines, parking tickets or congestion charges. They can also be used to sell stolen vehicles.

There have been 18 separate incidents of vehicle number plate theft since the New Year in the two areas. This shows there is a 50% increase on the 12 incidents that occurred during the same period last year (2011).

Inspector Mark Kenny of the Prestwich and Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Teams said: “We are working to tackle this issue but need motorists to support us by taking appropriate steps to help reduce their vulnerability to this type of crime.

“It takes just a few seconds to unscrew the plates held on with conventional screws and thieves often carry out this simple crime in places like supermarket car parks. This can be done while you are buying a lunchtime sandwich or doing your weekly shop. If your number plates have been stolen, you can be sure that they will be put on to another vehicle.

“If you do become a victim, please ensure that you tell us as soon as possible so we can record the information on the Police National Computer. This will allow any patrolling officers who stop a vehicle with your registration to make further checks to confirm its identity.”

To help tackle the issue, the Prestwich and Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Teams are holding a free safer plate event on 14 February. The event will take place on the car park of Morrison’s Supermarket in Whitefield and will run from 10am to 5pm.

To contact the Prestwich Neighbourhood Policing Team, telephone 0161 856 4538 or email Prestwich.npt@gmp.police.uk
To contact the Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Team, telephone 0161 856 8204 or email whitefield.npt@gmp.police.uk
For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.