With number plate theft at record highs, Yarra Ranges residents are urged to fit anti-theft screws to their vehicles.
Across the state, number plate thefts have surged by 50 per cent to the highest number recorded in the state, with 29,790 recorded over the last year, equivalent to 83 a day or one every 17 minutes.
Not only is it an inconvenience to car owners, number plate theft is often at the centre of more serious offending.
Stolen number plates are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs and to evade police.
While the Yarra Ranges has a lower level of crime when compared to other municipalities across the state, people are still urged to fit anti-theft screws to their cars.
The Casey region ranked highest for number plate thefts in the state, at 2139 thefts over the year ending in March 2025.
Keilor Downs Police acting Sergeant Sam Roman said small steps can be taken to prevent number plate theft.
“Installing a simple measure such as an anti-theft screw can be the difference between having your number plate stolen or not.
“We have more capabilities than ever to detect stolen numberplates on our roads, so we’d strongly encourage those thinking of using them to hide their vehicle to think again.”
