A series of number plate thefts in Dunedin has prompted police to investigate and source anti-theft screws.
Senior Sergeant Liz Waru, of Dunedin, said up to eight registration plate thefts had been reported in Dunedin during the past two weeks, the most recent taken from a vehicle parked in lower Stuart St.
Some of the plates stolen in the past had been used in crimes, including petrol drive-offs.
Police were sourcing anti-theft screws, in a bid to make them available to Dunedin residents so their plates could not be easily removed, Snr Sgt Waru said.
However, it was not known when they would be available, she said.
Anti-theft plate screws are put in with a screwdriver, but can be removed only with a specialised tool that is available only to police and authorised partners.
Motorists were urged to check their plates and report any thefts.
Stolen plates would be registered with police number-plate recognition cameras to identify any stolen plates being used.
Anyone with information about the plate thefts can contact Dunedin police on 471-4800, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
Putting the screws on
• 8 number plates reported stolen in past two weeks.
• Stolen plates often used in crimes such as petrol drive-offs.
• Dunedin police sourcing anti-theft screws for public distribution.
• Screws can only be removed with specialised tool.
