With theft of number plates up a massive 46 per cent last year, one industry body is calling on the state government to make installing a type of anti-theft device mandatory.
According to the latest Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data, from January to December 2024, 26,951 number plate theft offences were recorded in Victoria, up 46 per cent from the year prior (18,480).
In response, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) – Victoria's peak motoring body – wants the state government to mandate new and used car dealerships to install anti-theft number plate screws at the point of sale.
“The RACV is calling for VicRoads to provide individuals with anti-theft screws to install on new or replacement number plates,” James Williams, RACV’s Head of Policy, said in a media statement.
But is it really as easy as that?
James Voortman, CEO of the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA), said his organisation does not support “mandating anti-theft screw installation prior to [having] a thorough consultation process”.
“We are supportive of the RACV’s intention to reduce instances of number plate theft, a crime which has affected many of our members,” Voortman told Drive.
“There are Victorian dealers already installing anti-theft screws, and it may make sense for dealers in higher-risk areas.
“However, there needs to be an appropriate and comprehensive process which assesses the cost and benefit prior to making this change,” he added.
Additionally, the AADA CEO said this proposed law could have “an adverse effect on convenience and cost for consumers seeking to remove these number plates for a legitimate purpose”.
“Instead of simply getting out the screwdriver, a consumer might need to travel to and pay a specialised technical service provider," he said.
“For some vehicles, it’s not just a matter of taking out the screwdriver and going to work. There is additional time and skill required to install and modify vehicle factory mounts to accept the screws.
“There may also be a situation in which criminal elements are able to access the tools which are able to remove anti-theft screws."
It's worth noting that this proposed mandate only protects dealership consumers, and as Voortman points out, the law change needs to consider “the 60 per cent of vehicles sold in Victoria on the private-to-private market”.
While anti-theft screws can be found at major hardware retailers across Australia for as little as $6, some local police stations offer a free installation service.
According to Bambi Gordon, the CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, number plates “remain the most commonly stolen items from vehicles” as they are an easy target for thieves.
“Stolen plates are used to commit other crimes including fuel theft, drug trafficking, ram raids, burglaries, police evasion, and avoiding traffic infringements,” Gordon said in a media statement.
“Beyond physical theft, criminals are now also engaging in 'virtual theft' by copying registration details from photos posted online to car sales websites or social media. [Criminals are] printing them on laminated paper or 3D printers to attach over their own plates,” they added.
Do you think the Victorian Government should mandate the installation of anti-theft screw devices? Let us know in the comments below.
Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.
