Midland Police warn number plate thieves their time is up

Crime figures reveal more than 190 numberplate thefts this year in the eastern part of the Central Metropolitan Police District.

Midland Police Station Senior Sergeant Graham White said the increase compared to the same period last year was concerning. He urged vehicle owners to have numberplates secured with anti-theft screws at free fit-outs run by the Police Community Engagement Unit, Ellenbrook Police and Bunnings.

“It’s imperative owners have their numberplates secured for a variety of reasons, but to prevent their theft and misuse by offenders is the number one reason,” Snr Sgt White said. “Thieves will take one plate on more occasions than both.”

He said thieves would steal the plate least likely to be spotted missing by the driver.

“By this, I mean if you drive your car into a carport, for example, and approach it from the rear each day, more than likely thieves will steal the front plate and vice versa.

This allows them to use your plate for a longer period before it is discovered.

“Thieves like to get in and out quickly because the longer they spend somewhere the greater chance of being caught or seen.”

The anti-numberplate theft campaign began a few years ago when officers first noticed the rising crime trend.

Police officers will on hand at the community engagement events to discuss any other concerns regarding local criminal activity.