Spate of number plate thefts in Havant, Waterlooville, Hayling Island and East Hampshire sparks concern with police issuing advice

A spate of crimes, 11 in total, have taken place between November 1 and yesterday. They took place in Webb Lane, Hayling Island, First Avenue and Park Avenue, Waterlooville, Whichers Gate Road, Rowlands Castle, Solent Road, Havant, and Bedford Road, Petersfield.

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Several thefts also took place in Alton and Liphook. Police are carrying out enquiries into the thefts, and said stolen plates are often used for other crimes such as stealing fuel, avoiding congestion charges and parking fines, vehicle cloning and burglary.

‘We urge anyone who has been the victim of number plate theft to report it to us as this will assist our enquiries and help us build up our intelligence picture,’ a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokeswoman said.

‘More importantly it will ensure that you are not involved in any subsequent investigations. Should someone later use your number plate to avoid paying parking or congestion charges, you will have a record of when the theft happened and can evidence that you are not at fault.’

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Police have issued advice to residents on how to reduce the risk of number plate thefts. This includes fitting security screws – anti-theft devices which can be put in place of regular screws, which cannot be removed with standard tools.

Motorists are also advised to park cars in a garage, in a safe public car park or with the front of the vehicle obstructed. Residents are also encouraged to use theft resistant number plates, designed to break if removed with force.