Police fix over car plate thefts

Number plate thefts have increased in the last five years

A new initiative to combat the growing problem of car number plate thefts in Edinburgh is being launched.

Free tamper-proof screws to replace standard screws are being offered this weekend at two crime prevention road shows in the city.

The number of vehicle plate thefts in the Lothian and Borders Police area has increased over the past five years.

In 2000 there were 148 reported incidents and this year, up to the end of October, there have been 400 thefts.

Hardened criminals

Ch Insp Kenny Buchanan, of Lothian and Borders Police, said criminals were stealing the plates for use in planned crimes.

He said: "We've come across many instances where stolen plates have been used in crimes such as cloning stolen vehicles, theft of petrol from garage forecourts and traffic-related fines for parking tickets and speeding.

"These plates are not being stolen by young vandals but hardened criminals who are intent on committing further crimes.

"We hope by offering these free tamper proof screws we can reduce this growing problem."

Officers will be handing out the screws at the car parks of Cameron Toll Shopping Centre on Saturday and Craigleith Retail Park on Sunday from 1100 GMT each day.