By ANEEKA SIMONIS
PAKENHAM was the target of a number plate theft spree last week.
The trending crime is becoming an increasing worry for police, with a high percentage of stolen plates being used in more serious crime sprees such as burglaries or robberies.
Within two days, police received eight reports of number plate theft.
On Thursday 21 April, three of the reports came from the John Street area – with victims telling police their registration was stolen between 7am – 4pm.
The next day, five different addresses were targeted.
Plates were stolen from cars parked at Redfern Way, McGuiness Court, Cameron Way and Barrington Drive in Pakenham as well as in Kooyong Close in Pakenham.
Plate theft is a preventable crime according to detectives in Cardinia’s Crime Investigation Unit (CIU).
They have renewed calls for motorists to have their plates fitted with one-way safety screws.
Fake plates are often reported in other criminal activities including petrol drive-offs and toll evasion.
The free screws are available at Pakenham station.
