Drivers warned to be on guard after spate of thefts

MOTORISTS are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of number plate thefts across Nuneaton.

Neighbourhood watch members have reported a ‘significant’ number of incidents across Abbey Green, Whitestone and Weddington over recent nights

They are appealing to drivers to beware and also make sure that theirs are secure.

A post on the Nuneaton and Bedworth Neighbourhood Watch page on Facebook says: “We have been made aware of an significant number of thefts of number plates from cars in several areas of Nuneaton, including Abbey Green, Whitestone and Weddington.

“Number plates taken from cars in this manner are mostly used in crimes such as theft of fuel from petrol stations, and the criminals often don’t care if the plates match the make, model or colour of the car.

“Criminals who “clone” cars to avoid tax, insurance or MOT issues, or to commit more serious crimes such car theft, are less likely to use stolen plates as these are likely to already have been reported to the police. In these cases, they will get plates made up, having often identified a similar car using online car sales websites.”

Advice has been issued to drivers to ensure they do not become the next victim.

If your plates have been stolen or you suspect your car has been “cloned”, report the matter to the police immediately.

Fit anti-tamper number plate screws to your car.

If an offence is committed by a car displaying your registration number, it is the onus of the registered keeper to prove that it wasn’t your car.

Anyone who has any iinformation about number plate thefts in their community should call the independent charity Crimestoppers, which is free to call from a landline and confidential, on 0800 555 111.