In an effort to curb number plate thefts in the community, police in Brimbank are hosting two ‘Safe PL8’ events where locals can learn how to secure anti-theft screws to their vehicle’s number plates.
Free anti-theft screws, also known as one-way screws, will also be given away to attendees.
The first session will take place at Bunnings Sunshine on Saturday, July 12 and the second at Bunnings Taylors Lakes on Sunday, July 13.
Both events will run from 10am to 2pm.
Brimbank Local Area Commander Inspector Matthew Bui encouraged locals to attend.
“We’ll be speaking with the community to raise awareness about the ways numberplate theft can be prevented and helping to assist install the screws to any cars,” he said.
The events were created in response to the “record high levels” of numberplate thefts in the area.
Inspector Bui said the crime had “recorded a 40 per cent increase over the last year.”
“These offences are often at the centre of more serious offending, and are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes.”
According to the Neighbourhood Watch website, these other crimes may include petrol theft, drug trafficking, burglaries, and the evasion of police, speeding fines and road tolls.
Anti-theft screws are harder to remove as they can only be turned in a singular, clockwise direction.
“If you can’t make it to the event, anti-theft screws are also available from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations,” said Inspector Bui.
