Motorists' chance to secure number plates

Date published: 28/08/2008

Motorists in Rochdale are being urged to attend one of two car-crime clinics to combat registration plate theft.

They will take place at B&Q, Sandbrook Park, this Wednesday (3 September) from 3pm to 7.30pm and at Matalan, Central Retail Park, Oldham Road, on Monday 8 September from 10am to 3pm.

With the current high cost of fuel, police have seen an increase in the number of plates stolen across Rochdale, as criminals are using them to clone other cars and drive off from petrol stations without paying.

To tackle the problem, two ‘Safe Plate Days’ have been organised, where police community support officers (PCSOs) will fit special one-way screws to registration plates free of charge.

The screws, which cannot easily be removed, are then covered with a security cap as an added deterrent. Motorists will also be provided with a pack containing vehicle security advice.

Inspector Michelle Hughes of the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I would urge people to attend the clinics, because having these screws fitted is a simple measure that will reduce the risk of cars being targeted. Also, it costs nothing, doesn’t damage the car and could sav people money in the long term.”