Victoria Police has identified the state’s worst areas for number plate theft, with recent crime data revealing Casey as the hardest-hit area.
With 1987 reports made to police in the 12 months to September 2024, Casey beat out other local government areas Hume (1408), Greater Dandenong (1374), Wyndham (1121), and Brimbank (1110) to the title of Victoria’s plate theft epicentre.
More than half of all thefts from vehicles across Casey, Greater Dandenong, and Cardinia relate to stolen licence plates, and only 22 per cent of stolen plates are recovered.
Casey local area commander, Inspector Stu Richards, says stolen plates often make it easier for offenders to carry out other crimes.
“Stolen number plates are attached to other vehicles – many of which are stolen – to help offenders fly under the radar and commit further crimes including aggravated burglaries, arson attacks, drug trafficking and petrol drive-offs,” he said.
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Other crimes can even include drive-by shootings and even homicides.
Local hotspots where vehicles are being targeted include areas in a 500m radius of:
- Attenborough Street and Cheltenham Road (Dandenong)
- Kidds Road and Power Road (Doveton)
- McGregor Road and Main Street (Pakenham)
- Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre (Cranbourne)
- Fountain Gate Shopping Centre (Narre Warren)
Inspector Richards said there are ways to combat plate theft, though not all solutions are feasible for all people.
“Parking in a secure area such a garage would be ideal scenario, however, we understand that not every resident or visitor to the area is able to do so,” he said.
“That’s why we encourage vehicle owners to use anti-theft screws to deter thieves in the first instance. These screws are available free-of-charge at your local police station.”
Anti-theft screws are available at every police station across Casey, Cardinia, and Greater Dandenong, but can also be purchased from hardware stores, automotive parts stores, and petrol stations.
Police say the screws are an easy way to deter thieves, as “they are really difficult to remove in a hurry and while they can be removed with brute force, it often damages the plate and renders it unusable”.
“Police across the area also regularly conduct Safe Plate days in partnership with Casey Neighbourhood Watch, to provide information to residents on safeguarding their numberplates, and we’re working with local shopping centres, hospitals and caryards to help improve vehicle security,” Inspector Richards said.
It’s worth noting these statistics for stolen plates are separate from those regarding fake or cloned plates.
MORE: How thieves use fake licence plates to cover their tracks
MORE: Police recover more than two dozen stolen cars, seize over 100 fake number plates
