Canberra drivers can reduce the likelihood of their number plates being used by brazen criminals by having ''tamper-proof" screws fitted to their cars this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There were 1237 number plate thefts in the ACT last year, with many linked to crimes such as petrol thefts, burglaries or traffic offences.
Police will be looking prevent the frequency of thefts when they hold Project Safe Plate in the city on Saturday, May 31.
Drivers are encouraged to make their way to the Canberra Theatre carpark in Civic between 10am and 2pm, where about a dozen police officers, recruits and volunteers will fit their cars with tamper-proof screws for free.
The events is part of a nationwide campaign designed to deter criminals who steal car number plates to disguise their own identity when they commit a crime.
City Sergeant Jeff Knight said the campaign was designed to prevent Canberrans from becoming victims of crime.
''It costs the ACT government thousands and thousands of dollars every year to replace stolen plates, not to mention the cost of the crime and the cost to the community.''
''It's important that people don't think it won't happen to them, because it could which could be a late-night visit from the police to question them about a petrol drive-off.''
About one-third of fuel drive-offs in the ACT were linked to stolen number plates.
Sergeant Knight said the event was also a fun and non-threatening way for members of the public to interact with police.
Project Safe Plate events will be held across the ACT throughout the year.
