Car number plate thefts on the rise

Police say so far this year there have been 38 thefts of registration plates, mostly in Willerby, Cottingham and Kirkella, with a smaller number taken in Bridlington. In five of the cases the plates were then used to disguise vehicles used to drive off from petrol stations without paying. In some instances police believe youngsters are stealing plates on the way home from the pub as part of a fad. Officers are warning drivers to take precautions.

Crime Reduction Officer for Humberside Police PC Richard Beeforth said “Registration plates are usually screwed to the vehicle. It is possible to buy clutch head screws which can be tightened with a normal screwdriver but cannot be loosened. A thief would have to break the plate to remove it which would make it useless.

“It is also advisable to park your car in a garage at night where possible, and if one is not available always opt to park your car in a well-lit area to make it less attractive to opportunist thieves.”

Anyone who has fallen victim to a theft is asked to report it immediately.