With recent high fuel prices triggering a spike in thefts of registration plates, Shepparton residents are being encouraged to bring their vehicle along to Safe Plate Day on Saturday.
Shepparton police Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnson said police were seeing stolen plates being used in petrol thefts from service stations.
“It’s no doubt a statewide issue but locally it’s an issue and it will continue to be,” he said.
“For five minutes of your time we can safely put the one-way screws in and protect your plates from being stolen.”
For a gold coin donation, vehicle owners can get their plates fitted with supplied anti-theft screws that can only be removed with a special tool.
“This would not be possible without our lovely volunteers from Greater Shepparton Neighbourhood Watch, who selflessly give up their time for the betterment of our community,” Leading Sen Constable Johnson said.
“Game Traffic have graciously put up signs to advertise the day – the more people we can reach out to and who come down and get the new screws put on to protect their plates, the better.”
Safe Plate Day is taking place this Saturday, April 9, from 10am to 1pm behind Coles Express at Kialla’s Riverside Plaza car park.