POLICE in East Yorkshire have launched an appeal for information after a spate of licence-plate thefts.

Since the start of the year, 38 plates have been stolen, with most of the thefts happening in the Willerby, Cottingham and Kirk Ella areas, while Bridlington has also been the scene of such crimes.

PC Richard Beeforth, crime reduction officer for Humberside Police, said: “Thieves usually steal registration plates to disguise similar vehicles they intend to use in other crimes, such as the theft of fuel from filling stations where they drive off without paying.

“Registration plates are usually screwed to the vehicle and it is possible to buy clutch head screws which can be tightened with a normal screwdriver but cannot be loosened. A thief would have to break the plate to remove it, which would make it useless.

“It is also advisable to park your car in a garage at night where possible, and if one is not available, always park your car in a well-lit area to make it less attractive to opportunist thieves.”

More information about anti-theft number plates is also available at secureplate.com.

Anybody who has been a victim of these crimes or has information about them should phone Humberside Police on 0845 6060 222.