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Number Plates theft consequences and prevention
Number plates theft is on the increase.
This is due to two factors, firstly it has become much more difficult to buy replacement plates due to new legislation covering suppliers, proof of I.D. and entitlement, and record keeping.
Simultaneously there has been an explosion if the use of ANPRS and CCTV cameras both by the police, other enforcement orginisations and commercial operators.
The upshot of this is that it is now much more convenient for criminals to remove the number plates from an innocent motorists' car and use them on their vehicle during the process of committing a crime.
It seemed to start with theft of fuel from garages, most forecourts have had CCTV for some time to catch motorists who drive off without paying. With the increase in fuel prices, thieves have been stealing fuel and fooling the cameras by using stolen plates on their cars. However they are now using them for many more different reasons
If this happens to you, expect visits from the police, letters from car parks, fixed penalty notices from speed cameras, congestion charge demands and possibly more.
It is possible to replace the screws holding the number plates onto the car with anti-tamper ones, most police forces will supply them F.O.C..
If you have been the victim of plates theft, consider buying a cheap private plate and assigning it to the car, ensuring you have a cast iron alibi when fines etc start coming in the post.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above , please contact us by email or telephone.
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