Motorists urged to ‘safe plate’

The one-way screws aren’t easily removed. They are covered with a security cap as an added deterrent.

Police are encouraging motorists to fit a simple safety screw to prevent their number plates from being cloned.

Officers from the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team are running a special vehicle safety clinic at the car park on Howard Street, lower Falinge, Rochdale from 2pm to 5pm on Friday (9 July 2010).

They will be fitting 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.

Number plate theft helps criminals clone other cars, and victims might not be aware of what has happened until speeding and parking tickets start arriving in the post. Cloning is when a vehicle that has been stolen then has its identity changed by using false number plates.

These vehicles are then be used to commit 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.

Inspector Stephen Clarke for Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I would encourage motorists to attend these types of events because having these simple screws fitted is an easy measure you can take to reduce your chance of having your vehicle targeted.

“We continue to look at new ways of getting important advice into the community. Events such as these are a perfect way for us to do this because you can also tell us about the issues concerning you and your community the most.”

Officers will also distribute information packs on how motorists can avoid their cars being broken into which includes advice such as not leaving items on view in vehicles, always leaving vehicles secure and parking in well lit areas. They will be supported by a member of Rochdale Council’s community safety who will be giving parents advice on child safety seats.