Help to deter motoring criminals (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Help to deter motoring criminals

8:50am Friday 17th February 2012 in Girlington

Police in Bradford are warning motorists to be on their guard against registration plate thieves.

Officers will be visiting Morrisons car park in Ingleby Road, Girlington, tomorrow to fit free anti-theft screws to vehicle registration plates. The screws are designed so they cannot be removed with a screwdriver.

The event, which will take place between 1pm and 7pm, also aims to reduce the number of crimes committed by drivers making off with petrol.

Sergeant Adam Crisp, of Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “There have been a number of incidents where stolen plates have been used to avoid paying for fuel at filling stations.

“Equally worrying is the fact that if these vehicles are involved in any incident or offence, it is difficult to establish the true identity of the vehicle and its driver.

“The idea of the initiative is to try to raise awareness of the problem whilst trying to combat the thefts.”

Further dates are planned for the free scheme, with a similar event taking place at Morrisons supermarket in Thornbury on Monday, February 27, between 9am and 3pm.