Number plate thefts have surged dramatically across the UK, with criminals increasingly targeting this vulnerable part of vehicles. New figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reveal that 7,381 stolen plate incidents were recorded last year, marking a 30% increase from the 5,683 reported the previous year and more than double the 3,376 thefts logged in 2021.
Why Thieves Are Targeting Number Plates
The rise in thefts aligns with a significant increase in 'ghost plate' offences, where vehicles display false, cloned, or modified plates to evade detection by speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. Criminals use stolen plates to make their cars invisible to authorities, as police cannot trace the vehicle's details when passing on the road. This practice also enables other illegal activities, such as fuel theft and avoiding congestion charges.
Law-abiding motorists often bear the brunt of these crimes, receiving speeding tickets and prosecution notices for offences committed with their stolen or cloned plates. The DVLA data shows that cloning incidents have risen by 53% over the same period, from 7,430 in 2021 to 11,394 last year.
Simple £2.50 Solution
Experts are advising drivers to take a simple precaution: fitting anti-tamper screws, which cost as little as £2.50. These screws require a special tool to remove, making it much harder for thieves to steal plates quickly. Neil Atkinson, owner of Carrosserie, said: "Number plate theft is a serious and growing problem, and many motorists don't realise how vulnerable they are. What makes it particularly worrying is that innocent drivers end up paying the price for crimes committed with their stolen plates. The good news is that anti-tamper screws are an incredibly simple and affordable way to protect yourself. For just £2.50, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim."
Growing Trend and Impact
The thefts not only inconvenience drivers but also contribute to a broader rise in road offences. With cloned plates, criminals can commit crimes without detection, while victims face the hassle of proving their innocence. The DVLA encourages motorists to report thefts immediately and consider security upgrades. As the trend continues, more drivers are urged to adopt low-cost measures to safeguard their vehicles and avoid the cascade of consequences from number plate theft.
