Anti-theft plates booming

CASEY residents have jumped aboard a new police trial that is helping protect their cars from number plate thieves.
Police officers and volunteers have been out in force at Narre Warren train station this week giving commuters the chance to have their parked cars fitted with the new anti-theft screws.
The move is part of a five week trial, dubbed operation Safe Plate, which is aiming to reduce petrol drive off and other number plate related crime in the City of Casey.
Acting Senior Sergeant Shane Smith said officers and volunteers had been overwhelmed by the response to the Victoria Police initiative.
He said officers had started work at 4.30am targeting commuters before they boarded a train.
Travelers are then given a pamphlet and if they choose to, can place a form on their dashboard consenting to having the screws fitted.
Then as they head off on their travels officers and volunteers fit the new anti-theft screws.
Sen Sgt Smith said the new trial was primarily aiming to target train commuters who left their cars parked at local stations all day.
He said if people decided to travel down to the station to get the screws fitted police could do this but the operation would be extended to the general public at a later date.
Sen Sgt Smith said the screws were expected to also become available at local retailers soon.
He also encouraged train commuters keen to have their cars fitted with the screws to remove any number plate coverings to make the job easier for officers and volunteers.
Police and volunteers will be at the Hallam train station on 2, 3, 4 October and at Merinda Park train station on 9, 10 and 11 October and Berwick train station on 16, 17, and 18 October.