The 3064 postcode is a hot spot for number plate thefts, new data reveals.
Crime Statistics Agency data shows that in the five years from April 2013 to March 2018, there were 1355 number plates stolen in the postcode, which takes in Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Mickleham, Donnybrook and Kalkallo.
Only postcode 3175, which takes in Dandenong, and postcode 3977, which includes Cranbourne, had more thefts.
In the 12 months from April 2017 to March 2018, postcode 3064 had the highest number of number plate thefts in Hume, with 335 offences recorded.
Postcode 3047 (Broadmeadows and Dallas) had 195 number plate thefts, while 3043 (Gladstone Park and Tullamarine) had 150.
Hume crime prevention officer, Leading Senior Constable Damien Collins, said police had noticed an increase in number plate thefts across the municipality.
“We strongly advise vehicle owners to attend one of the many organised days that Victoria Police participates in where we provide and fit one-way screws for number plates to make the theft of plates more difficult,” he said.
In Whittlesea, postcode 3076 (Epping) had the highest number of number plate thefts between April 2017-March 2018, with 169 offences recorded.
It was followed by 3074, which covers Thomastown (133) and 3075, which includes Lalor (112).
Inspector Andrew Falconer said the more built-up suburbs were over-represented in the theft of number plates.
