VEHICLE REGISTRATION PLATES

Number Plate (VRM) Theft – Advice for Residents

West Yorkshire Police are urging residents to take simple steps to protect their vehicle number plates. Stolen plates are often used to commit fuel theft, avoid ANPR detection, or clone vehicles involved in crime — meaning victims may receive fines or enquiries for offences they didn’t commit.

How to Protect Your Plates

 Fit anti‑theft screws
These make plates very difficult to remove quickly. They’re inexpensive and easy to fit at home. Many local crime prevention events also offer them free of charge.

🚘 Consider tamper‑resistant plates
These plates are designed to break if someone tries to remove them illegally. Offenders can’t reuse them.

💡 Park in well‑lit, overlooked areas
Use driveways, garages, or areas covered by lighting or CCTV where possible. Offenders prefer dark or quiet locations.

🏡 Protect your driveway
Simple measures such as motion‑activated lighting or a camera doorbell can deter offenders and alert you to suspicious activity.

👀 Check your vehicle regularly
Look for loose screws or signs that a plate has been pulled at.

If Your Plates Are Stolen

Please report it to West Yorkshire Police as soon as possible through the online reporting tool. Early reporting helps prevent further offences using your registration. You should also notify the DVLA and replace the plates promptly.

If you see suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles, please report it.

Thank you for helping us keep our communities safe.