Number plates are being stolen off an alarming number of cars in Merton, prompting police to give motorists free security screws to strengthen their cars.
More than 10 per cent of all thefts in the borough are connected with stolen number plates - in many cases used in further offences such as stealing petrol in an untraceable car with stolen plates attached.
Once in place, the screws cannot be unfastened using a conventional screwdriver.
Sergeant Dan Wheatley from the Raynes Park safer neighbourhood team said: “It may appear to be a minor crime but it is an inconvenience and causes a financial cost to the car owner. In some cases these number plates are used to facilitate further offences.”
The screws are available from your local safer neighbourhood team. For more information see communitysafe.gov.uk
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