Gerald Lynch
Licence plate theft in Brimbank and surrounding areas in Melbourne’s north-west has reached its highest level since 2020, according to data from the Crime Statistics Agency.
In the 12 months ending March 2024, there were 999 recorded offences of licence plate theft in Brimbank, an increase of 11.7 per cent on offences recorded in the previous 12 months, which was 894.
The figure is the highest since 2020, in which 1267 offences were recorded.
Brimbank is the second highest municipality for offences. Only Hume ranked higher with 1111 offences.
Across the north-west metropolitan area, the total number of offences rose from 6760 in the 12 months to March 2023, to 8142 to March 2024.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said plate thefts are often the tip of more serious crime.
“Registration plate thefts in Brimbank have dropped by 21 per cent since pre-pandemic,“ the spokesperson said.
“However, we remain focused on the issue because we know offenders use stolen plates to commit more serious crimes.
“Brimbank police regularly run targeted operations at shopping centres and train stations to detect and deter vehicle crime.
“Our proactive police also regularly hand out anti-theft screws at busy community locations to help protect people from having their plates stolen.“
The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) reports that over 50 per cent of fuel theft and various other crimes involve stolen number plates.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive Bambi Gordon highlighted the importance of addressing the issue and the wider implications of number plate theft.
“While having your number plate stolen may just seem like a low-level crime, the reality is it can have very serious ramifications for motorists – including the potential involvement in identity theft and criminal activities,” she said.
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria recommend the following tips to help prevent number plate theft:
* Install anti-theft screws on your number plates to deter thieves from easily removing them.
* Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit and populated areas to reduce the risk of theft.
* If you have access to security cameras, position them to monitor your vehicle and deter potential thieves.
* Consider anti-theft devices: Explore the use of anti-theft devices such as locking plate frames or security markings to add an extra layer of protection.
