Motorists are being urged to have one-way anti-theft screws fitted to their number plates at a free event at Werribee Plaza next week.
Acting Sergeant Dominic Trimboli said thieves often stole number plates, which were later used on vehicles involved in petrol drive-offs.
“It is a serious issue in Wyndham,” Acting Sergeant Trimboli said. “Installing these screws makes it harder for opportunistic thieves. We find that if they have to spend time trying to remove the plates, they give up and move on.”
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals 588 number plates were stolen from vehicles in 2015, down 34 on the previous year. Acting Sergeant Trimboli attributes the decline to the anti-theft screws and community education.
The free event at Werribee Plaza will be run in conjunction with Community Against Crime, 9am until 3pm, on Wednesday, April 27.
