Police are warning motorists to be vigilant after a spate of number plate thefts.
The warning comes after eight reported thefts of number plates within the last week, with peak areas including Bargoed, Bedwas, Risca and Ystrad Mynach.
Detective Inspector Nick Wilkie, of Gwent Police, said: “Stolen index plates may be used to disguise the identity of cars used in a wide range of crimes, such as the theft of fuel from forecourts, avoidance of speeding charges and parking fines, vehicle cloning, ram raids and burglary.
“We’re urging people to contact us if they do have their number plates stolen. It may seem trivial at the time, but it’s no fun if you start receiving fixed penalty fines or are suspected of committing serious crimes yourself as a result.”
The police are correct to warn people that the expense of replacement is not the only consequence of number plate theft. Mine were stolen during ‘Big Cheese’ weekend in 2012. I had to make a sworn statement to Caerffili magistrates when these stolen plates were used. With the closure of the court in Caerffili people in a similar position will now have an unwanted trip to Newport to set the record straight.
I have now rivetetted my plates in position. A thief can still steal them but would destroy the plate in the process. This is well worth doing as it costs pennies if done at home. For those without the skills a garage will do the same and the peace of mind is worth the expense.
And what about `The Phantom Car Door Mirror kicker off`er`, this person is at large in Caerphilly running rings around everyone.
Security screws are available for fixing car number plates, every car dealer should be fitting them to every car they sell.
Trouble with security screws is that they are easy to remove as long as you have the right tool. Rivets are better, not at all easy to get the plate off without drilling, which attracts attention to the thief.