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Niagara Regional Police are warning of license plate thefts in West Niagara.
Police say thieves have been targeting vehicles parked in car dealerships and residential driveways. In some cases, the plate is stolen and swapped with a paper or 3D printed plate.
Thieve often use stolen plates to commit crimes.
Tips to prevent theft of license plates from NRPS:
- Use Anti-Theft Screws: Replace standard screws with anti-theft screws designed to deter thieves. These screws require special tools for removal, making it more difficult for opportunistic thieves to steal your license plates.
- Park in Secure Locations: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit, populated areas with surveillance cameras. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles parked in visible and secure locations.
- Store Old Plates Securely: If you have old license plates, store them securely in a locked cabinet or safe location. Avoid leaving them in your vehicle where they can be easily accessed by thieves.
- Check License Plates Regularly: Periodically check your license plates to ensure they are securely attached to your vehicle. Loose, or bent corners could indicate attempted theft or tampering.
- Use Tamper-Proof Frames: Consider using license plate frames with tamper-proof features that make it more difficult for thieves to remove the plates without detection. These frames CAN NOT obstruct or obscure the alpha/numeric portion of the plate.
- Report Stolen Plates Immediately: If your license plates are stolen, report the theft to local law enforcement authorities and your vehicle licensing agency immediately. Prompt reporting can help prevent fraudulent use of your plates.
- Install Security Cameras: Install security cameras around your property, including in your driveway or parking area, to deter thieves and capture footage of any attempted thefts.
- Be Vigilant in Public Areas: When parking in public areas, be mindful of your surroundings and watch for suspicious individuals who may be attempting to steal license plates or vandalize vehicles.
In west Niagara, there have been 10 cases of stolen plates since late-December.
(Written by: Matt Latour)
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