Police number plate operation a success

An operation to turn the screw on vehicle number plate thieves has proved such a success in South Gloucestershire that another 450 motorists have attended local supermarkets to swap standard number plate fittings with security screws.

Over three day's officers along with staff from Halfords secured the number plates for free.

The scheme launched back in April and since over a thousand people have had their number plates secured to prevent them becoming victims of crime.

PC Lorraine Welsh said: "We are very grateful to Asda, Sainsbury's and especially Halfords Autocentres for supporting this initiative. Drivers may think number plate theft is just a nuisance and not realise it could be used in further crime. It's important to report it to police on 101. If your registration details come up as part of our enquiries into an offence we could end up knocking on your door."

Thieves steal the number plates of law-abiding citizens and use them to try to avoid detection when committing other crimes, from getting petrol without paying to drug dealing.

Rory Carlin, Halfords Autocentres Marketing Director, said: "There are ways to thwart the thieves. As well as tamper-proof screws there are secure plates which shatter if a thief attempts to remove them. Halfords is committed to helping motorists and their vehicles stay safe on the road and we are looking forward to working with the Avon and Somerset Police again to raise awareness of this important issue."

For more information on vehicle security visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or contact your local neighbourhood team on 101.

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