Move to drive out plate thefts

By Dion Teasdale
POLICE have issued a warning for motorists to be vigilant after a spate of number plate thefts across the region.
Senior Sergeant Vin Butera from Lilydale police said number plates had been stolen from five vehicles in the region over the past two weeks.
“We are concerned that these thefts might be related to a spate of petrol thefts across the Yarra Ranges area,” he said.
“We suspect the thefts correspond to the high price of petrol at the moment.”
Senior Sergeant Butera said it was difficult for vehicle owners to prevent the theft of number plates but urged motorists to be vigilant.
“People need to be aware that the theft of number plates is prevalent and they should be on the look out for suspicious behaviour,” he said.
“In particular people should keep an eye out for individuals hanging around car parks or areas where there are large number of cars.”
Senior Sergeant Butera said anyone with information about the thefts, or who has witnessed suspicious behaviour around cars, should phone 000 and report the incidents.