ACT Policing and Neighbourhood Watch are holding a Project Safe Plate event in Holt today with the aim of reducing number-plate theft by providing free tamper-proof screws to motorists.  

From 9am to 3pm today, Saturday 9 April, motorists can bring their vehicles to the Kingsford Smith School on Starke Street, Holt where ACT Policing and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers will be on hand to fit number plates with free tamper-proof screws.   

Officer in Charge of Belconnen Station, Inspector Brett Booth said 1,310 registration plates were reported stolen last year and so far, there have been over 300 plates reported stolen this year.   

“Today is a great opportunity to come down to Kingsford Smith School and get your plates secured with free tamper-proof screws. We’ll have a drive-thru arrangement where you don’t even have to get out of your car – police and volunteers will fit them while you wait,” said Inspector Booth.   

“Police have partnered with Neighbourhood Watch for this important crime prevention initiative, which is supported by Kingsford Smith School.” 

Car thieves steal number plates and place them on stolen vehicles in an effort to avoid police detection. Stolen plates are also used to disguise the real identity of a vehicle when it is used in other crimes such as petrol drive-offs and burglaries.  

For the car owner, replacing stolen plates is both frustrating and an additional cost that is generally not covered by insurance.  

Free tamper-proof screws are also available at any ACT police station.

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