Number plate theft on the rise nationwide
Over the past five years number plate theft has jumped from 4079 to 5673 in New Zealand.
Your number plate is more desirable than you think.
The alphanumeric plates attached to the front and back of your vehicle are a proven accomplice in crimes across the country, including petrol drive-offs and burglaries, and they're being stolen at an increasing rate.
Since 2011, the number of thefts has risen by 39 percent.
North Hamilton Community Patroller Ryan Whittaker, New World Rototuna store manager Mark Gower and Senior Constable Craig Berquist were a part of a Hamilton safer plates event, where tamper-proof screws are substituted for a small fee.
Police figures released under the Official Information Act reveal 22,206 number plates were reported stolen in New Zealand between 2011 and 2015.
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There were 5673 thefts reported around the country in 2015 alone – 1594 more than in 2011.
Auckland City recorded the highest number of plate thefts in 2015 on 1217. This was followed by Waitemata on 1148 and Counties Manukau on 858. Waikato had the sixth-highest number of thefts at 348 – almost 100 more than in 2011.
Crimes that are related to stolen number plates include petrol thefts, avoidance of traffic-related fines or tolls, shoplifting, burglary and robbery, a police spokesperson said.
"We are aware that many people might not report to police when their licence plates are stolen, thinking it may have fallen off, but the reality is that it's more likely a plate has been intentionally removed than it is to have just fallen off.
"When you notice one or two of your plates missing, it's important that you let police know so that we can create a record of the fact the plates have been taken.
"It's important that we all do what we can to ensure that offenders don't have access to tools that assist them in committing crime. Your number plate is one tool."
Steps people can take to protect their licence plates are parking off the road or in a well-lit place where it can be seen from a house, the spokesperson said.
"We also encourage people to check that all doors and the garage are secure before you settle in for the night – particularly, check the back door or an outside door that is not often used."
The spokesperson said tamper-proof number plate screws can also make it more difficult for offenders.
A number of communities across New Zealand hold regular "safer plates" events - joint initiatives between police, community patrols and local councils.
These events aim to help people secure vehicle registration plates by replacing the regular screws with a tamper-resistant variety.
"People can take their car along and pay a small donation - typically around $5 - and get tamper-proof screws fitted to their number plates, preventing licence plate theft and reducing the opportunity for an offender to use a stolen plate in the commission of a crime."
Ryan Whittaker is a part of the North Hamilton Community Patrol.
As well as giving your plates a makeover, Whittaker participates in a night patrol once a month.
"Every time we go out, we get a stolen list of around 15 number plates to look out for."
If Whittaker comes across a stolen plate while on patrol, he reports back to police and monitors the vehicle until an officer arrives.
"Once they're there to do their job, we can float off and do something else."
The North Hamilton Community Patrol has around 15 regular patrollers who take part in night patrols, Whittaker said.
Hamilton Police Senior Constable Craig Berquist said getting your plates stolen is an inconvenience to everybody involved.
It's a massive hassle to order new ones and get your car reregistered, he said.
On top of that, there is the cost of new plates and filing a report to police.
"The last thing you want is your rego plates turning up at the scene of a crime and you being the prime suspect."
In 2009, BP installed technologically advanced licence plate recognition software at its stores.
Communications manager Shelley Brady said BP has seen a dramatic decrease in fuel theft over the past seven years as a result of having this technology.
If someone has number plates stolen, he has to apply for a new plate through one of the New Zealand Transport Agency's four agents – VTNZ, AA, NZ Post or VINZ.
VTNZ has 74 branches across the country to help with vehicle licensing, VTNZ marketing communications manager Jessica Nikora said.
"The person will need to apply for new plates by completing an application form for replacement plates (MR6A). A copy of the police complaint acknowledgement form (given when reporting theft at a police station) will need to be attached to the MR6A form, or alternatively, a nine-digit event number (given when plates report stolen via phone to police). This number must be written on the MR6A form," she said in a statement.
A new set of number plates will be issued from stock held at the branches, Nikora said.
"VTNZ makes it as easy as possible for people to complete the form – which are available at the branch - and get plates straight away.
The cost of a new number plate is $19.41, she said.
- Stuff
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