Cobram Police Station Acting Sergeant Matt Slaney says number plate theft in Moira Shire has risen significantly.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Police are cracking the whip on vehicle-based theft, and need your help.
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A dramatic spike in number plate theft in Moira Shire has prompted calls for the community to take proactive steps where it can, with the Cobram Police Station continuing to offer anti-theft screws for a gold coin donation.
Cobram Police Station Acting Sergeant Matt Slaney said stolen plates were being used in all types of areas for further offending on vehicles they did not belong to.
“What’s tending to happen with these number plates is they’re being stolen and then used on other vehicles that are actually stolen and out there offending,” Sgt Slaney said.
“Therefore, what we’re trying to do now is help out the local community and try to prevent these thefts using these anti-theft screws.”
The one-way screws, supplied through the generosity of Neighbourhood Watch, can be used to secure your plates, making them much harder to steal.
Two types of one-way screws are available for cars manufactured in Europe and elsewhere.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Police say criminals often use stolen plates to avoid identification when committing more serious offences such as petrol drive-offs, driving offences, burglaries and even drug trafficking.
The consequences for victims can be disastrous.
“They’re going to see a significant number of, potentially, fines coming through the mail, due to being seen at high speeds and things like that,” Sgt Slaney said.
If you ever become a victim, report it at the earliest opportunity to give police the best chance to catch the offenders, recover what’s yours and keep the community safe.
The one-way screws are also available at the Numurkah and Nathalia police stations.
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