Bid to help drivers beat vandals
Drivers in Rugeley are being urged to swap their number plate screws for the anti-vandal version after a string of cars had their plates stolen.
Drivers in Rugeley are being urged to swap their number plate screws for the anti-vandal version after a string of cars had their plates stolen.
It is the latest in a spate of similar thefts across the Cannock and Rugeley areas and officers have now urged people to follow some basic crime prevention tips to make sure they do not fall victim to the thieves.
They are advising motorists to buy tamper-proof screws, which are available from hardware shops, to make it impossible for thieves to take number plates off without snapping them.
A total of 10 cars had their number plates stolen in Rugeley overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday. Three vehicles in Penk Drive, two in Chaseley Road and others in Albany Road, Brereton Road, Springfield Road, Bower Lane and Pump Lane were all targeted.
Det Sgt Dan Ison, of Staffordshire Police's Chase division, said: "Thieves steal number plates from vehicles at any time of the day or night, causing inconvenience to victims in having to report the theft to police as well as unnecessary expense in replacing them.
"In addition, victims may have to prove their innocence during further investigations if these plates are used in crime by criminals." He added: "I would urge residents to invest in the anti-tamper screws, which can be bought from most hardware outlets at little cost and make it impossible for thieves to remove the plates from the car without snapping them.
"We are investigating possible links between the incidents and I would urge any residents who saw people carrying number plates or acting suspiciously in these areas to contact us immediately."
It is not known why number plates have been targeted but there were worries it could be so they could be used in crimes.
In 2006, police in Cannock voiced speculation youngsters could have been responsible for a spate of thefts to fix the plates underneath their skateboards to help perform stunts more easily. It was thought the trend started to either protect the bottom of the boards or make them slide more easily during tricks.
Officers were told to stop youngsters with skateboards and check the underneath but nobody was arrested for stealing number plates for such a purpose.
Officers in Staffordshire had been notified of the skateboarders trend by West Midlands Police following investigations in Wolverhampton. It is thought it could explain an increase in thefts and the low numbers of stolen plates reappearing in crimes.
Anyone with information about the thefts should contact Det Sgt Ison on 08453 302010 or telephone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
