Stolen number plates account for 40 per cent of thefts from motor vehicles around Geelong in recent weeks, according to police.
And the thieves show little concern for their victim’s social status, with the city’s most and least-affluent suburbs the worst for number-plate theft, police posted on Facebook this week.
The thefts follow a report in last week’s Indy of ongoing drive-offs from Geelong service stations, with stolen plates commonly used on offenders’ vehicles.
Thefts of number plates had been around the 40 per cent rate over “many weeks” in Geelong, Leading Senior Constable Andrew King posted on Wednesday.
“Number plates are being stolen from various locations however multiple incidents continue to occur in suburbs including Corio, Geelong West/Newtown, Whittington/Newcomb and Highton. Both sets of number plates were stolen on all occasions except two.”
Police have noted the use of stolen plates in servo drive-offs as well as burglaries, drug-trafficking and to avoid speeding and parking fines.
Police tips to avoid plate thefts include fixing number plates with one-way, anti-theft screws and parking only in illuminated areas or in locked garages.
Ldg Sen Const King identified night as prime time for general theft from motor vehicles around Geelong, with residential streets and carports “the most popular locations”.
“Over half the incidents recorded the mode of entry as being ‘nil visible force’. Tools and cash are targeted.”
Thieves were also stealing cars from “numerous suburbs” including Geelong, Newcomb, Corio and North Geelong, Ldg Sen Const King posted.
“Over a third of all vehicles stolen were stolen as a result of additional offences occurring. (Twelve) vehicles were located/recovered, with the highest number being located in Corio and others spread throughout various suburbs.”
