Joint bid to tackle number plate theft

Police teamed up with Halfords whose staff agreed to fit tamper proof screws for free for motorists turning up at the Norman Way store on Monday (June 25). Screws and fittings were provided by the police.

The initiative was launched after a number of number plate thefts, with six incidents reported in the Melton area in the last 100 days.

Clutch head screws have a ‘one way’ design making them virtually impossible to remove. However they can’t be fixed to cars which have plates glued on or fixed with plastic bolts as they might snap.

Pcso Brian Ellis, of Melton Police, said: “We’re really pleased the local Halfords branch agreed to help us.

“Number plate thefts continue to be a problem nationally and have risen in recent years, partly due to a rise in petrol costs, use of speed cameras and charges for use of certain roads.”

Halfords store manager John Watson added: “We had a queue of people waiting for us this morning.

“We’ve had a number of customers who have had their plates taken and used for petty crime and in some cases more serious crimes.

“We’re delighted to help and hopefully we can prevent some of that crime from taking place.”

Officers have asked garages in the Melton area if they’d be interested in stocking the tamper proof screws.