Stolen number plates being ‘used for petrol drive-offs’
There has been a big increase in the reports of number plates being stolen in the Dundalk area over the past few weeks, with thieves targeting vehicles parked to motorway junctions.
And the stolen number plates are then fitted to cars, sometime with just elastic bands, and used to steal fuel from petrol stations in the area, Dundalk Gardai have said.
A Garda spokesperson said officers have seen a big increase in the reports of number plates being stolen from cars. Thefts are almost exclusively from Southern registered cars and are happening particularly at intersections or lay-bys at junctions 16, 17 and 18 of the M1.
Gardai have also noticed that shortly after the plates are reported stolen, they are usually picked up at fuel drive offs at petrol stations in the area. Gardai believe that the thieves are using the plates only once or twice before discarding them and getting more stolen ones.
Thieves are using simple electric screwdrivers to quickly remove the plates from the cars and there is little drivers can do about it. A spokesperson for Dundalk Gardai said: ‘ This is a crime that has been increasing in the past few weeks, particularly around the motorway intersections.
‘We would urge people who drive past these lay-bys during the day and who notice anyone walking beside the cars or bending down, pretending to look for something around vehicles, to report their suspicions to the station straight away and we will respond. This is something that we are taking seriously and want to bring to an end.
‘It looks like the plates are being used for drive-offs, leaving the petrol stations seriously out of pocket. Anyone who sees anything suspicious in relation to this offence, can contact Dundalk station at 042 9388400’.