A record number of number plate thefts in Victoria has prompted the state’s motoring club to make a radical proposal – for anti-theft screws to become mandatory.
Last year, 27,466 number plate theft offences were recorded in Victoria, a huge 45.8 per cent increase on the year prior.
This meant the theft of number plates accounted for more than one-third of the 75,731 theft from motor vehicle offences in the state last year, while 28,922 stolen vehicle offences were recorded.
At an average of 75 number plate thefts per day, motorists can only be so vigilant and heed so many warnings to park off street – but the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s (RACV) proposal could bring a decrease in the volume of thefts.
“RACV is calling on the Victorian Government to require new and second-hand vehicle dealerships to install number plates with anti-theft screws and for VicRoads to provide individuals with anti-theft screws to install on new or replacement number plates,” RACV’s head of policy James Williams said in a media statement.
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“RACV is also calling on the government to release the outcomes of the technology trials that were announced in 2019, to combat number plate theft and cloning.”
Anti-theft screws are fitted with a head that can be tightened with a flat-blade screwdriver, however they require a special tool to remove.
While anti-theft screws take more time to be removed than traditional Phillips, flat or Torx head screws, they can still be cut off – an exercise which would surely attract more attention to thieves.
At present, you can fit the screws yourself but it’s suggested to visit a police station to remove them.
As previously reported, a major reason why thieves steal number plates is to then affix them to stolen vehicles – and continue offending – or clone them, making the stolen vehicle they’re driving harder to detect.
The proposal has been welcomed by Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, which also hosts – in partnership with the RACV and Victoria Police – ‘Safe Plate Days’, with volunteers fitting anti-theft screws to number plates.
“Number plates remain the most commonly stolen item from vehicles, with thieves able to remove standard plates in under 10 seconds,” Neighbourhood Watch Victoria CEO Bambi Gordon said.
“Stolen plates are being used to commit other crimes including fuel theft, drug trafficking, ram raids, burglaries, police evasion, and avoiding traffic infringements.
“Beyond physical theft, criminals are now also engaging in ‘virtual theft’ by copying registration details from photos posted online to car sales websites or social media, printing them on laminated paper or 3D printers to attach over their own plates.”
If you have your number plates stolen, report it to police as soon as possible by calling 13 14 44, submitting an online form, or visiting your nearest police station.
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