In southeast outer-Melbourne, Casey has been reported as the region with the highest incidence of number plate theft in Victoria, with over 2000 cases documented within the last year. Alarmingly, more than half of all vehicle thefts in Casey, along with its neighbouring areas of Greater Dandenong and Cardinia, involve stolen number plates.
Following Casey in theft reports are Hume (1408), Greater Dandenong (1374), Wyndham (1121), and Brimbank (1110), with the majority situated in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Police have pinpointed specific hotspots for number plate theft, including locations near Attenborough Street and Cheltenham Road in Dandenong, Kidds Road and Power Road in Doveton, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, and the intersection of McGregor Road and Main Street in Pakenham.
Victorian Police emphasise that stolen number plates are frequently used to facilitate other criminal activities. According to Casey Local Area Commander Inspector Stu Richards, criminals attach stolen plates to other vehicles, often those that are also stolen, to evade detection while engaging in serious crimes such as aggravated burglary, arson, drug trafficking, and petrol theft.
With only 22 per cent of stolen plates being recovered, law enforcement encourages residents to implement preventive measures against theft. Police suggest that residents park in secure locations, such as garages, and avail themselves of anti-theft screws provided at local police stations. Inspector Richards noted that replacing stolen plates can be not just a hassle but also financially burdensome, especially if individuals continue to accrue tolls or fines incurred by criminals using their stolen plates.
In recent months, Victorian Police have arrested three individuals in connection with number plate theft, with charges also including drug possession, petrol theft, handling stolen goods, aggravated burglary, and car theft.