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Clinic will help fight rise in stolen registration plates

21/ 7/2008

MOTORISTS in Rochdale are being urged to attend a series of car crime clinics to combat registration plate theft.

Special one-way anti-theft screws can be fitted to existing registration plates free-of-charge by community support officers at various Safe Plate Days in the area.

The screws are covered with an extra security cap making them very difficult to remove.

Stolen plates are often used on other vehicles to disguise the driver’s identity during a crime.

The Observer reported in June how soaring fuel prices were being blamed for an increase in the number of drive-offs at petrol stations.

Thieves were stealing number plates from unsuspecting motorists and fitting them to their own cars to avoid paying for petrol.

There have been 64 number plates stolen across the borough since the start of April.

Victims are usually unaware there number plate has been used in a criminal incident until they receive a speeding ticket through the post and they will have trouble convincing authorities that it wasn’t their car used to commit the offence.

Inspector James Troisi, of the Rochdale north neighbourhood policing team, said: “I would urge people to attend a clinic, because having these screws fitted is a simple measure that will reduce the risk of cars being targeted. Also, it costs nothing, doesn't damage the car and could save people a lot of money and heartache in the long-term.”

The first car crime clinic will take place at Rochdale Football Club on Saturday (26 July) from 2pm to 6pm, and will be supervised by officers from the neighbourhood policing team

Other car crime clinics taking place in August include:

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August - Asda, Dane Street, Rochdale from 10am to 6pm.

Friday 15 August - Rochdale Football Club, Wilbutts Lane, Rochdale from 3pm to 8pm.

Tuesday 19 August - Lidl car park, Spotland Road, Rochdale from 10am to 2pm.

Friday 22 August - Dunelm car park, Whitworth Road, Rochdale from 10am to 2pm.