Police Seek to Tackle Car Park Plate Thefts

In the latest of a series of initiatives designed to limit number plate theft, police in Shipley, West Yorkshire and Middlewich, Cheshire are offering to fit tamper-proof clutch-head screws, free of charge. These simple but remarkably clever devices are designed so that they can be tightened in the normal way but not released except with a special tool).

Laudable as these exercises in crime prevention and public relations are, one cannot help reflect upon the appalling state of affairs that renders car parks one of the highest risk areas for theft. Quite apart from losing a number plate, these areas can provide the ideal environment for a thief to commandeer any other fixture or contents of your vehicle.

Security in most commercial parks is non-existent. The proprietors are almost proud of the fact they have no legal liability whatsoever for the protection of your property - even though you have probably paid through the nose for the privilege of leaving your vehicle.

Can you imagine a bank taking the same cavalier attitude with your deposits? No. It really is about time that the cowboy outfits who are all to eager to clamp your car or apply for your address through the DVLA - themselves, far too lax with such information, anyway - were forced to accept some liability for vehicles in their charge.

Of course, security would add to the cost of the tariff. But the local authorities could take off-road parking away from those private sector landlords unwillingly to provide adequate cover. They could then utilise their armies of wardens to monitor purpose-built parks rather than chase revenue from the public highways, where offences would be more correctly dealt with by the police.

Until this happens (Don't hold your breath!), please take care of your plate. You can take advantage of one of the free fixing events in your area or get your own special screws at a modest price. Remember, any type of screw is better than sticky tape and when fitted carefully with the coloured plastic covers, can only enhance the look of your registration.

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