The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) is calling on the Victorian Government to require new and second-hand vehicle dealerships to install number plates with anti-theft screws.
This requirement could be phased in, starting with standard number plates.
The Victorian Crime Statistics Agency reveals a ten-year high in the number plate thefts, with almost 27,000 reported cases in the 12 months ending December 31 2024, up 45.8% from 18,480 the previous year.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams says on average there are 73 number plate thefts in Victoria per day and that people should be aware that the best deterrent from physical theft is to install anti-theft screws. To deter cloning, registration numbers should be illegible when publishing an image of a car online.
“The RACV is calling on the Victorian Government to require new and second-hand vehicle dealerships to install number plates with anti-theft screws and for VicRoads to provide individuals with anti-theft screws to install on new or replacement number plates,” Williams says.
“It is also calling on the government to release the outcomes of the technology trials that were announced in 2019, to combat number plate theft and cloning,” he says.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive Bambi Gordon says while number plate theft seems like a low-level crime, the reality is it can lead to serious issues for motorists – including identity theft and other crimes.
“Number plates remain the most commonly stolen item from vehicles, with thieves able to remove standard plates in under 10 seconds,” Gordon says.
“Stolen plates are being used to commit other crimes including fuel theft, drug trafficking, ram raids, burglaries, police evasion, and avoiding traffic infringements.
“Beyond physical theft, criminals are now also engaging in ‘virtual theft’ by copying registration details from photos posted online to car sales websites or social media, printing them on laminated paper or 3D printers to attach over their plates,” she says.
“The financial impact for victims is significant, with replacement costs ranging from $39 to $293 depending on plate type, plus the time taken waiting for replacement plates. Additionally, driving without displaying proper number plates can result in a $385 fine and three demerit points.”
Neighbourhood Watch, in partnership with Victoria Police and RACV, is hosting Safe Plate Days where volunteers install anti-theft screws. Anti-theft screws are also available from auto shops, hardware stores, and service stations.
If number plates are stolen, victims should immediately report the theft to local police by visiting the nearest station, calling 131 444, or submitting an online form. They should then visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with evidence of identity to apply for new plates with different identification numbers.
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