On the night of November 27, Ben, a long-time Canberra resident, faced an unexpected incident: the registration plates of his Audi were stolen right outside his Franklin home. This theft is part of a rising trend in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where nearly 700 cases of number plate theft have been reported this year alone. The majority of these crimes have occurred in Canberra, sparking concern among local residents and law enforcement.
Stolen plates are often used by criminals to commit further offences, evade speed cameras, or accumulate fines under the original owner’s name. This wave of thefts has left many vehicle owners in the region feeling vulnerable and anxious about the security of their vehicles.
Impact on Victims
Ben, who has lived in Canberra for 25 years, was shocked by the theft, having never experienced such a crime despite owning multiple vehicles over the years. “My son walked home from the gym the next morning and asked me, ‘Dad, did you take the plates?'” Ben recounted. The plates were stolen from the convertible that his son was learning to drive. Following the incident, Ben promptly reported the theft to the police and obtained new registration details from Access Canberra.
Another resident, a 41-year-old woman from Higgins, experienced a similar ordeal. On October 23, while she and her husband were at work, burglars stole valuables and the spare keys to her husband’s SUV. The thieves returned 15 days later to steal the vehicle, which was later found abandoned with the rego plates and brand logo missing. The family was further distressed upon receiving a speeding ticket worth $498, which they are now disputing with authorities.
Police Response and Recommendations
ACT Policing has confirmed that 698 number plate offences have been recorded in the territory up to November 30. In response, police are urging motorists to use tamper-proof screws to secure their registration plates. These screws, available at all police stations, are designed to be more challenging to remove than standard screws, potentially deterring thieves.
ACT theft statistics for number plate offences:
- 2025, before November 30: 698 offences
- 2024: 875 offences
- 2023: 994 offences
Preventive Measures and Legal Recourse
Motorists are advised to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles. In the event of a theft, victims should immediately report the incident to the police and obtain new registration plates. Any traffic or parking fines incurred after the theft can be contested with the appropriate authorities.
According to experts, the trend of number plate thefts is not unique to Canberra. Similar incidents have been reported in other regions, often linked to broader criminal activities. The use of stolen plates allows offenders to operate under a veil of anonymity, complicating law enforcement efforts.
Looking Forward
The increase in number plate thefts highlights the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures among vehicle owners. As law enforcement agencies continue to tackle this issue, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The community’s cooperation is crucial in curbing this crime wave and ensuring the safety and security of all vehicles in the ACT.
As the year draws to a close, authorities are hopeful that the implementation of preventive strategies and community engagement will lead to a decline in such offences. Meanwhile, residents like Ben and the Higgins family are left to navigate the aftermath of these unsettling experiences, hoping for a resolution and a return to normalcy.
