Information on Loughborough

Initiative to reduce thefts of number plates in Hamilton

Posted on 03/06/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Initiative to reduce thefts of number plates in Hamilton

Police are making life more difficult for number plate thieves in part of Leicester.

Neighbourhood officers for Hamilton and Humberstone have purchased a supply of special clutch-head screws which they are offering to motorists for free. The screws can be fitted as a replacement to number plate screws, which car dealerships fit as standard, and are much harder to remove.

This Saturday (June 6) shoppers at Tesco in Maidenwell Avenue will be able to meet their local officers, pick up a set of clutch head screws and have them fitted for free by a mechanic from Marshalls Vauxhall. Officers will be in the supermarket car park from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

PC Martin Sneath said: "Replacing standard screws with clutch-head screws is a great way to try to beat the thieves and reduce the motorist's chances of becoming a victim of crime.

"The theft of a number plate can be a huge inconvenience to a motorist. However, once the number plates are stolen, they can also be used to disguise stolen vehicles, conceal the identity of vehicles used in criminal activity such as the theft of petrol from forecourts or ram raiding, and evade fines for traffic offences such as speeding and illegal parking.

"I would advise motorists to report any theft of number plates to the police immediately because if you don’t, you could run the risk of becoming falsely implicated in criminal activity. It will also allow us to investigate the offence promptly and identify any offences committed by vehicles bearing the stolen number plates.

“If you are in the area of Tesco on Saturday then why not stop by and speak with your local officers and get a set of clutch head screws fitted to your vehicle for free. It’ll take just a few minutes, but could save you a great deal of inconvenience.”

Officers and Police Community Support Officers will also be available to offer other crime prevention advice or to discuss any policing concerns you may have.

The screws can also be purchased from car accessory stores for around £2.50.

For more information call PC 572 Martin Sneath at Keyham Lane Police Station on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 0572.