HIGH petrol prices could be a key factor behind a surge in numberplate thefts in the inner-west, police say.
Recent figures reveal 1206 thefts from cars in the Maribyrnong municipality in the year to March. That’s more than three a day.
Footscray police crime prevention officer Craig McDonald said numberplate thefts accounted for about one in three of the offences.
He said the thieves stole plates to carry out crimes such as petrol theft. The theft may be caught on camera, but plates led police to the wrong registered owner.
“We know they are being stolen to do other crimes – one of the main ones is driving away from petrol stations without paying,” he said.
“It’s really annoying to have to replace them, and costly as well.”
Leading Senior Constable McDonald said the simple solution to stop numberplate thefts was one-way screws.
This weekend police will fit the screws to numberplates for free.
“This is the first time we’ve done it in this area. We’ve got The Good Guys in Maribyrnong on board and the Lions Club as well.”
Police will be outside The Good Guys store from 10am-2pm this Sunday. Plates are fitted in exchange for a gold coin donation to the Lions Club.
