A vehicle’s registration number is its “ID card” – it identifies the car during roadside checks, records it on cameras, and links it to the owner in databases. That is why it has become an increasingly frequent target for thieves in recent years. The topspeed.sk portal has reported that the police are warning of an increase in cases of license plate theft, which thieves then use to commit crimes.
How do thieves misuse stolen license plates?
At first glance, it may seem that a stolen license plate is not as big a problem as a stolen car. However, the opposite is true. The registration number is essentially the “legitimization” of the vehicle, and if a thief uses it, they can disguise another stolen vehicle or commit crimes for which the innocent owner of the stolen license plate is then held responsible.
The most common ways of misuse include:
- Concealing the identity of a stolen car – the thief attaches the stolen license plate and can move around freely with the vehicle without arousing suspicion from the police or cameras
- Theft of fuel and goods – a vehicle with a “familiar” license plate appears more trustworthy, which thieves exploit for fraud
- Avoiding fees and fines – from highway tolls to parking fines. The owner of the stolen license plate receives a fine for a vehicle they never drove
- International crime – especially in border areas, license plates are used to disguise the movement of vehicles involved in smuggling or theft
The German region of Osnabrück reports hundreds of stolen license plates every year, with only a minimum number of cases solved. According to the police, this trend is gradually spreading to Slovakia.
Why is license plate theft so dangerous for owners?
The biggest problem is that the owner of a stolen license plate can be linked to activities they never committed. Fines for traffic violations, driving through a toll gate without paying, or even committing a crime—all of this can be recorded in their name. The subsequent administrative process of proving their innocence is both time-consuming and mentally draining.
The police warn that in some cases, license plate theft is only a “prelude” to a larger theft. Thieves may first test the reactions of the car owner or camera systems and then return for the entire vehicle.
How to protect yourself against license plate theft?
The use of security screws or special holders significantly complicates quick removal and deters thieves who are mainly looking for easy targets. Choosing where you park your car can also help – well-lit streets, guarded garages, or parking lots with CCTV are much safer than remote or dark locations.
It is equally important to check the condition of your vehicle regularly – the sooner you notice a missing license plate, the faster you can contact the police and prevent its misuse. Finally, don’t forget to protect your keys and documents. Thieves often target specific vehicles, so it’s a good idea to minimize all other risks, such as storing keys out of reach of windows or doors to prevent the signal from being amplified in keyless systems.
If your license plate is stolen, report it to the police immediately. A timely response can prevent your identity from being linked to other offenses.
Pandora Alarm as part of protection
Although Pandora systems specialize in protecting vehicles against theft and tampering, they can also help with risks related to license plates. How?
- Motion and shock detection – the system can detect an attempt to remove the license plate and send a notification to your mobile phone. However, the alarm activation depends on the sensitivity of the sensor and the intensity of the tampering, so it is advisable to set the sensitivity correctly and supplement the protection with physical measures
- GPS monitoring and driving history – if your license plate is misused on another car, you can prove that your vehicle was elsewhere at the time of the “offense.”
- Virtual garage – the ability to set up security zones and receive alerts when your car leaves them
- Backup power supply and anti-jamming protection – the system works even if someone tries to jam the signal or disconnect the battery
Prevention is always cheaper than dealing with the consequences
The theft of license plates may seem like a minor problem, but the reality is different. It is often the first step towards a more serious crime and can cause a lot of trouble for the owner.
If you want to be sure that your vehicle is protected not only against theft, but also against tampering or misuse, consider additional security measures. Pandora Alarm provides modern solutions that give you control and peace of mind.
