Project SAFE PLATE: Secure your number plates this weekend
ACT Policing will hold the first of two Project Safe Plate events for 2015 this weekend aimed at helping reduce vehicle registration plate theft by providing free tamper-proof screws to motorists.
This Saturday (June 20) between 10am-4pm, motorists are encouraged to bring their vehicles to the Regatta Place carpark on Barrine Drive, where police officers, recruits, volunteers, members from Crime Reduction, Media and Public Engagement and AFP Graduates will be on hand to fit vehicle plates with tamper-proof screws.
Officer in Charge of Gungahlin, Station Sergeant Rod Anderson said 858 registration plates were reported stolen to police last year and that community initiatives such as Project Safe Plate were important in making it tough for these thieves.
“Installation of secure number plates is a great way to reduce crime as we know that stolen number plates are often used to commit other crimes, such as petrol drive-offs, burglaries and traffic offences,” Sergeant Anderson said.
“By reducing the opportunity for criminals to source one of their tools, we hope to contribute to a wider reduction in property and volume crime.”
“Saturday is a great opportunity to come down get your plates secured with tamper-proof screws, say hello to your local police and get some advice on home or vehicle security. Constable Kenny Koala and his friends will also be there to entertain the kids while they wait in their cars for the screws to be changed, and you can pick up a free ice scraper for the upcoming frosty mornings and some Constable Kenny goodies.”
This year’s Project Safe Plate is being billed as a battle between North and Southside motorists with the challenge being which side of town can have the most vehicles fitted with tamper-proof screws.
“The challenge has been set and I’m supremely confident that Northside motorists will turn up in large numbers on Saturday and set the Southside a massive target for them to try and beat when it’s their turn in August,” Sergeant Anderson said.
“While it’s great to have some healthy competition, our main aim is to stop thieves from stealing number plates and using them for criminal activity.”
Last year 1,778 vehicles were fitted with tamper proof screws.