Motorists have been warned to stay on high alert, after a spate of numberplate thefts across Elmbridge and its neighbouring boroughs.
There have already been 31 of these incidents in north Surrey since the beginning of the year, with 10 in Elmbridge.
This includes an incident in Elmgrove Road, Weybridge, when both numberplates were taken from a black Audi A6 between 6pm on Wednesday, January 27, and 9am the following day. The car had an Irish numberplate, a spokesman for Surrey Police said.
North Surrey crime reduction officer PC Mark Howells said: “If your numberplates are stolen it is imperative that you report the theft to police immediately. Stolen plates can be fitted to vehicles involved in crime, so by not reporting your plates as stolen you could run the risk of becoming falsely implicated in criminal activity.
“Clutch-head screws can be purchased at low cost from DIY and car accessory retailers. They can be easily fitted with a screwdriver in place of existing screws, but cannot be removed using standard tools. You could also ask about special number plates that shatter when removed, rendering them useless to thieves.”
If you have any information about the incident in Elmgrove Road, contact Surrey Police on 0845 1252222 quoting reference EL/10/653, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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