Motorists urged to attend safe plate day

A  car-crime clinic is taking place in Heywood on Wednesday 9 May as a result of the high number of registration plate thefts across Rochdale in the last month.

The theft of number plates helps criminals to clone other cars, and victims might  not  be  aware of what’s happened until speeding and parking tickets start arriving in the post.

Car  thieves  also  steal  number  plates  to  commit other crimes, such as driving  off  from  petrol  stations without paying.  Victims can then have difficulty  convincing authorities that it was not their car used to commit the offence.

To combat the problem, a ‘Safe Plate Day’ has been organised, where police, along  with  wardens from Rochdale Council, will fit special one-way screws to drivers’ registration plates free of charge.

The  screws,  which  cannot  be  easily  removed,  are  then covered with a security cap as an added deterrent.

Crime  Reduction  Adviser  for  Rochdale Police, Brian Farr, said: “I would urge  people  to attend the clinic, 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 save people a lot of money and heartache in the long term.”

The  car  clinic  will  take place at Morrisons car park in Heywood between 10am  and  2pm.   Crime  Reduction Adviser for Rochdale Police, Brian Farr, will be available for interviews and to offer guidance and advice.

Police are issuing the following tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime:

• Take extra care when parking - stick to well-lit areas wherever possible.
• Keep car keys hidden at home and away from doors and windows.
• If you have a garage, put your car in it and keep both locked.
• When you leave your car, always lock all doors, securely close all windows and activate the immobiliser if you have one.
• Always remove the ignition key when you leave your car, even if it is only for a few seconds, e.g. when filling up with petrol.
• Fit an alarm or tracker system.
• Use a steering lock.
• Don’t leave driving documents in a car.
• Don’t leave valuables on view to tempt a thief, always take them with you.  If it is absolutely necessary to leave something in the car, lock it in the boot.
• Remove car stereos, satellite navigation systems and their mounting cradles and wipe away any ‘sucker marks’ on the windscreen. Do not put expensive items in the glove compartment as thieves may break in just to check.
• Mark accessories (radios, sat navs) in the vehicle with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number. Owners should also note the make, model and serial number.