Wangaratta police are asking the community to tighten the screws on number plate theft by purchasing and installing one-way screws at the station.

Number plate theft crimes are not to be taken lightly, as stolen plates can be used to commit more serious offences including petrol drive-offs, driving offences, burglaries and even drug trafficking.

Wangaratta police station has anti-theft screws available for just a gold coin donation at the front counter.

The one-way screws can be used to secure number plates and make them much harder to steal.

Prevention is the key – secure your plates and park in a well-lit, secure area.

But if you ever become a victim, report it at your earliest opportunity to give the best chance to catch the offenders, recover what’s yours, and keep the community safe.