LEADING senior constable Sarah Reggardo was on-site at Gippsland Centre Sale promoting the Safe Plate (SafePL8) initiative during the Country Market Day on Saturday, May 6.
The Safe Plate initiative is specially designed one-way screws that are put onto your number plates to replace generic screws – the screws are harder to remove due to their unique design.
LSC Reggardo said the theft of number plates from vehicles within the community is increasing.
“Victoria Police and Neighbourhood Watch are aiming to deter thieves from stealing your number plates,” she said.
“Victoria Police will target and detect offenders, but it is up to you to make your number plates harder to steal. Offenders use stolen plates to avoid identification when committing serious offences such as traffic offending, petrol thefts, drug trafficking and burglary.
LSC Reggardo advises we can all help prevent serious offences and keep our number plates secure by following a few simple steps:
-Securing number plates with one-way, anti-theft screws – they are free and can be fitted with a standard flat-bladed screwdriver
-Park in a secure place – off the street in a garage or carport where possible
-Staying alert and report the theft of one or both number plates to police as soon as possible .
LSC Reggardo handed out over 60 sets of anti-theft SafePL8 screws last Saturday, as well as engaged with over 150 community members with various questions.
Last week Gippsland Centre also hosted a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event, an opportunity for community members to have an informal coffee with local police members.
The Centre provided free coffee and encouraged community members to make the most of the opportunity to engage with local police.
