A new in-built security feature to reduce crime and number plate theft across Victoria, including in Hume and Whittlesea is rolling out across the state.
New number plates will have Directional Security Markings embedded in the surface of the plates to provide authentication, making it harder for them to be illegally copied.
The markings are similar to holograms embedded in the production of Australian banknotes and will ensure that unauthorised reproduction of number plates is impossible.
The new design features a ‘VIC’ logo within a small circle – with the security markings unable to be removed by chemical or physical means from the sheeting or finished sticker without causing irreparable damage to the reflective system.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the government has worked closely with the relevant departments including Victoria Police, VicRoads, and the Department of Justice and Community Safety to develop a solution to number plate theft.
“We have been working closely with relevant departments on a solution to address number plate theft and it is fantastic that we can now begin delivering this new technology,” she said.
New security markings will appear on about 430,000 new number plates per year including all general issue standard car number plates, trailer number plates, Commonwealth Government “Z” number plates and Ministerial number plates.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said number-plate theft has been a growing problem in Victoria.
“[We hope] these new Directional Security Markings add an additional layer of security that will stop theft and help reduce crime,’ he said.
