With number plate thefts on the rise, there is a simple way for people to protect their vehicle from falling victim.

Shepparton police Sergeant Nathan Trimby said police had observed a statewide trend that saw an increase in registration plate theft from vehicles in the past 12 months.

Locally, that same trend had also been noticed by police — especially in the past few weeks — prompting officers to urge people to install their number plates with anti-theft screws.

Sgt Trimby said the screws were sold in hardware stores such as Bunnings, as well as auto businesses such as Autobarn and Supercheap Auto.

The plates are also easy for people to fit themselves.

“You just use a flat-head screwdriver to get them on,” Sgt Trimby said.

However, to get them off, you will need to go to a big police station such as Shepparton’s, where they are removed with a special screwdriver.

Sgt Trimby said the screws helped keep people’s vehicles safer, with stolen plates often put on other vehicles where they could rack up fines or be used in other crimes.

“We don’t want plates to get into the hands of the wrong people,” he said.

“We are just trying to prevent the theft in the first place and the inconvenience of having them stolen.”

While Sgt Trimby said number plate theft was climbing in Shepparton, it “hasn’t exploded”, rather police were proactively trying to get on top of the issue.

“It’s just another hurdle for people who want to steal plates,” he said.

People were also reminded that if their plates were stolen, they should report the theft to police immediately, either at a local police station, on the police assistance line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Wednesday, 17th May 2023

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