Is your vehicle PL8 S4F3?

Free anti-theft number plate screws are being offered to Hertsmere residents at two events later this month in Potters Bar.

Hertsmere Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), which comprises Hertsmere Borough Council, local police and other organisations, has teamed up with Lanterns Recovery in South Mimms to fit the screws to help reduce the number of thefts. 

The events will take place as follows:

• Monday March 15, between 9am and 1pm at Tesco in Mutton Lane
• Saturday March 20, between 9am and 1pm at Furzefield Centre in Mutton Lane

PC Graham Hiscock from the Potters Bar Neighbourhood Team said: "Hertsmere residents will be able to have their number plate screws replaced with theft resistant screws by trained technicians free of charge*."

*Non-Hertsmere residents will be charged a small fee.

He added: "These tamper proof security screws make it very difficult for thieves to take number plates from vehicles.  In recent months we have had reports of number plates being taken from vehicles, which can be used by offenders to disguise their vehicles and commit other crimes.

"Unless you can prove it's not you, you could end up with fines and points on your licence, petrol costs, congestion charges or even arrest.  We would like to take this opportunity to ask people to remain vigilant and report any concerns. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around parked vehicles contact police as soon as possible."

Councillor John Donne, Community Safety Portfolio Holder, said: "Stolen number plates account for around a quarter of all thefts from motor vehicles so we hope this initiative – which is free to all residents – will encourage people to safeguard against this crime."

The screws have been funded by Potters Bar Crime Reduction Group which is administered by Hertsmere CDRP.  The next meeting is in May but if you have any safety concerns you would like to raise before that please call 020 8207 7801 or email partnership.support@hertsmere.gov.uk

Vehicle crime prevention advice:

1. Always lock your vehicle when you leave it parked and unoccupied. 10 per cent of vehicles that were stolen or had property stolen from them had been left unlocked or with windows wound down.

2. Always remove all personal property when you leave your vehicle parked and unoccupied. Be aware – thieves are opportunists looking for ‘must have’ items like sat navs.

3. Secure your number plates – replace them with Secure Plates or fix with tamper proof screws. Theft of number plates accounts for around 15 per cent of all motor vehicle crime.

4. If you have a garage – use it to protect your vehicle at night.

5. At night try to park your vehicle where there is good lighting (remembering to remove all personal property from the vehicle first).

6. Look out for 'Park Mark' accredited car parks (part of the Safer Parking Scheme.) 40 per cent of day time thefts from vehicles take place in public car parks.

7. Look after your tools if you need them for your job and carry them in your vehicle. Act now to add more security to your vehicle such as a heavy duty safe bolted to the floor, a quality alarm and secure access doors with heavy duty bolts and locks. If you can, remove all valuable tools from vans when left parked and unattended and use notices to advertise that fact.

8. Use a locking fuel cap as it could deter the opportunist fuel thief. High fuel prices may be encouraging more criminals to steal from other people's vehicles.

9. Don't give in to the temptation to buy suspiciously cheap vehicle accessories or tools. They may be stolen and buying them rewards the thieves – next time it could be your property being offered for sale at suspiciously cheap prices.

10. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you know of someone involved in vehicle crime or handling stolen goods. Your call will be treated anonymously and you could earn a cash reward.