Thefts from motor vehicles are common crimes of opportunity that happen fast and at any time of the day. We have been told to remove all valuables from our vehicles. That still stands true.
However licence plates are quickly becoming a commodity that criminals covet. Each year in Edmonton 3,000 to 4,000 plates are stolen.
They may use your plate for various reasons.
To disguise a stolen vehicle.
- Criminals may steal a vehicle and then steal a plate from a vehicle that resembles the stolen one. This way the licence plate will match the vehicle description.
- The car will go undetected as stolen until the owner realizes their plate has been stolen and files a report to police.
To commit other crimes.
- If a thief is looking to commit crimes that require a car, they sometimes steal a licence plate first.
- Criminals will then use the car to commit a crime. If a witness provides police with a licence plate number, it won’t connect them to the crime.
- These crimes can range from ‘gas and dashes’ to armed robberies.
To commit traffic violations.
- If a criminal is driving around with your licence plate on their car, they can commit traffic offences and maybe not get caught.
- If they speed, run red lights, or violate parking restrictions, fines may be mailed to you as the registered owner of the licence plate.
Follow these tips to decrease your chances of becoming a victim
Use anti-theft licence plate screws.
Park in well-lit areas.
Park in well-populated areas.
Keep the rear of your vehicle adjacent to driving lanes. (Don’t back in or pull through parking spots.)
Check your licence plate often.
Use anti-theft licence plate screws
Anti-theft license plate screws are designed to allow anyone to use a screwdriver to put the plates on with the screws, but require a specialized tool – only available to police and authorized partners – to remove the license plate screws.
The plate screws are free at all EPS Divisional stations.
Anti-theft licence plate screws can also be picked up at a number of local businesses:
- KVP Registration
- The Registry (at Edmonton Motors)
- Edmonton Motors (Service & Parts)
- Healy Ford
- Crosstown Motors Body Shop
- Alberta Service Bureau Inc.
- Accu-Search
- Monarch Registries
- Waterloo Ford
- Waterloo Ford Auto Body Shop (1 & 2)
- Empire Collision (South & West)
- Bubbles (Jasper Ave.)