One-way solution to stop plate theft

POLICE are urging drivers in Pine Rivers to play their part in preventing number plate theft.

Acting Senior-Sergeant Peter Long of Pine Rivers police said number plate theft was a continuing issue in the community.

``Every week there’s generally one or two at least, if not more,’’ he said. ``One time we had 30-odd in a couple of weeks in different locations.’’

Thieves often target registration plates to avoid detection after committing crimes such as armed robbery, break-ins or drive-offs from petrol stations.

Acting Sergeant Long said one-way screws, which could be bought from auto parts stores, were one of the most effective means of preventing number plate theft.

He also urged people with expired registration plates or those attached to unregistered cars to remove the plates and hand them in to Queensland Transport.

``If those plates get stolen often a lot of time can go by before anyone notices,’’ he said.

Another way to prevent this theft is to park in well-lit or CCTV-covered areas.