A SPIKE in number plate thefts in Wodonga has led police to join forced with Crime Stoppers.
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Officers have received reports of 24 theft from motor car offences this month, with about 40 per cent of those offences number plate thefts and the rest thefts from inside the vehicles.
Senior Sergeant Chris Parr said it was unclear what the stolen plates were being used for, but they weren’t being found in Wodonga.
“Number plate thefts have gone up considerably,” he said.
“We think it’s likely being done by criminals from outside the area.
“We’re at a bit of a loss as to where they’re going.”
Police will launch a campaign with Crime Stoppers on Monday to encourage people to lock their vehicles and remove valuables.
Senior Sergeant Parr said police were already running a program encouraging people to install anti-theft screws on their cars.
The screws are available at hardware stores and can only be removed using a specialised tool.
“It can assist us and help prevent the theft of number plates,” he said.
“It’s a huge inconvenience to people – they have to go to VicRoads and get them replaced at a cost.”
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Sam Hunter said motorists needed to be vigilant.
“Theft from motor vehicles can lead to a number of other crimes, with credit cards stolen from vehicles later being used to commit deception and fraud," she said.
