The police in Rochdale are so concerned about the rise of number thefts, that they are holding number plate theft clinics in the area where they go for help and advice on how to prevent them from becoming the next victim.

There have been over sixty cases since November where number plates have been stolen in the area; it is not just the theft itself that is worrying, although that is bad enough. The problem is what happens after, these number plates can be used to steal fuel and clone cars, it is the legal owner who gets the knock on the door when anything like this happens.

“There have been over 60 number plates stolen across the borough since the start of November,” said Sergeant Brendan Walsh of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team. “Offenders are stealing the plates to clone cars to commit other crimes such as driving off from petrol stations without paying and robberies.

“Victims might not be aware of what has happened until speeding and parking tickets start arriving in the post. They can then have difficulty convincing authorities that it was not their car being used.”

Sergeant Walsh added: “I would urge people to attend the clinics, because having these screws fitted is a simple measure that will reduce the risk of cars being targeted and costs nothing.”

Drivers who are worried about this type of crime are welcome at the clinics, which are taking place across the area:

Further car clinics up to the end of March include:

Wednesday 14 January – Bamford Precinct from 10am to 1pm.
Thursday 5 February – Cutgate Precinct from 1pm to 5pm.
Thursday 19 February – Rochdale Infirmary car park from 1pm to 4pm.
Monday 2 March – ASDA, Dane street, Rochdale from 9am to 1pm.
Friday 20 March – Rochdale Infirmary car park from 9am to noon.

Source [Rochdale Online]