Police in the Amber Valley are teaming up with a local car dealership to help motorists put the brake on number plate thefts.
They are offering drivers the chance to have anti-theft screws fitted to their vehicles for free at an event at Marehay Vauxhall, on Derby Road.
The screws are special ‘one way’ devices which replace the standard screws and are fitted to number plates to prevent them from being removed by a potential thief.
This reduces the risk of number plates being stolen or cloned, and can prevent offenders from committing a crime which cannot be traced back to them.
PC Neil Hopwell of the Kilburn Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “While we don’t have a high number of number plate thefts, we want to help residents to reduce the risk of having their vehicles number plates cloned.
“The tamper proof screws are an extremely useful tool to help deter thieves and I would encourage local motorists to get their number plate fitted with the screws free of charge.”
The event will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 21 and is being offered to all local residents, and all vehicles.
Police will also be on hand to offer advice on all types of vehicle crime, and to speak to residents about any concerns.
Ian Beardsley, Retailer Operator at Marehay Vauxhall, said: “This is a simple yet effective way of securing your number plate. The devices can be fitted by a normal screwdriver to any car but cannot be removed with one, stopping thieves in their tracks.
“We are proud members of the community here and are pleased to be able to help local people keep both their vehicles and identities safe. We will also be providing refreshments so it is the perfect opportunity to come down and meet the friendly team here at Marehay Vauxhall.”
For more information contact the Kilburn Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team by calling 101, the non emergency number for Derbyshire police, or email belper.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.
