Tamper proof screws to deter thieves

This week, police will be holding a series of 'Safe Plates' events where they will be offering to fit the special screws to people's vehicles whilst speaking to shoppers about crime prevention - both at home and whilst out and about.

The action comes after a spate of thefts in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale areas where number plates have been stolen and used to steal fuel in drive offs from petrol stations.

• On Tuesday 7 February, officers from the Pendle Neighbourhood Policing Team will be at Morrison's Supermarket, Nelson, between 9am and 3pm.

• And on Thursday 9 February Pendle Neighbourhood officers will be at Sainsbury's, Colne, between 9am and 3pm.

PCSO Des Wrest from the Burnley Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Tamper proof screws are an extremely useful tool to help deter thieves and I hope that this initiative will help us to reduce this type of crime from occurring."

Sgt Ben Hodgkinson from the Nelson Neighbourhood Policing Team added: "We are simply making it harder for the thieves to remove the number plates.

"This type of crime can affect the whole community. Not only does it impact on the victim who the plates have been stolen from but there is often another victim when the stolen plates get used in a drive off from a petrol station. Ultimately, it can result in motorists paying higher prices at the pump to compensate for the thefts nationally.

"Anything that makes it harder for the thieves is worthwhile. We will be easy to spot on the car parks so come over and get the screws changed for free. It doesn't take long, and may prevent a crime."

Anyone with information or concerns can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(Issued by Lancashire Constabulary)