Gerald Lynch
Hume ranks third among municipalities in the state for number plate thefts, with 987 sets reported stolen in the 12-month period ending March 2024.
Statewide, a 23 per cent increase in stolen plates was seen from the previous 12 months according to data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency, with the number rising from 15,009 to 18,481.
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are encouraging motorists to take precautions to protect their vehicles following a sharp rise in number plate theft.
Hume resident and community advocate Ally Watson said the high rate of theft is a concern and causing a great deal of inconvenience.
“There are legitimate and significant safety concerns held by our local community. Property theft and break ins are becoming far too commonplace. It’s unsettling, disruptive and people are fed up,” she said.
“I remove valuables and lock my car to secure it. I’ve installed anti-theft screws on my plates to deter thieves. I park my car in my garage as much as possible. Even taking these precautions, I consider where I will park my car and avoid certain areas. When possible I’ll get dropped off to the train station to avoid leaving my car there. Occasionally I’ll get an Uber to the station. It may cost me in fees, but that’s better than the inconvenience of having to deal with stolen 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.
The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) reports that over 50 per cent of fuel theft and various other crimes involve stolen number plates.
“No matter where you live or how you use your vehicle, you can be susceptible,” continued Ms Gordon.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police re-iterated that plate thefts are often part of more serious crime.
“Stolen and cloned number plate details are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes, such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs, toll evasion and to evade police,” they said.
”Under the Road Safety Act, it is an offence to forge or fraudulently alter or use any vehicle identifier, including an identification number plate.
“We take this type of offending very seriously and we are committed to identifying and holding offenders to account.”
Neighbourhood Watch and RACV are working together to deliver programs that make communities safer, protected and more connected.
They are running 30 safe plate day events in the coming weeks, and have issued a set of tips to help prevent plate theft.
They say Hume residents should use anti-theft screws, utilise security cameras, consider purchasing anti-theft devices, and park in well-lit areas where possible.
