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National Numbers Articles

Former L16 DEM candidate sells private reg

May 16, 2013
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by National Numbers

Former Liberal Democrat politician and recent Labour convert, Andrew Duffield, has put his private number plate up for sale.

Andrew Duffield bought L16 DEM, which reads “LIB DEM”, in 1993 when the L-reg plates were released.

Duffield has removed the number plate from his vehicle “for obvious reasons”, and currently stores it on a retention certificate until a buyer is found.

‘I’m using standard plates and certainly won’t be displaying L16 DEM now!’ He said.

After growing “increasingly angered” by the coalition government failing to “protect the poor and disadvantaged”, Andrew decided to leave the Lib Dems.

Now with Labour, the teacher is on the market for a replacement number plate.

‘I have located LA80 OUR – but unfortunately that won’t become available until 2030 … so I’m now looking out for PRO6 RES.’

Andrew Duffield hopes to stand as MP for Hexham in the next general election.

By 

MSP Insulted by Council Number Plates

June 13, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by National Numbers

It is “insulting” that Scottish councils retain ownership of many private number plates, says Green Party MSP Patrick Harvie.

Many councils are struggling in the current economy, MSP Harvie sees the license plates as an unnecessary luxury that can be sold to raise funds.

Number plates like S 0 and S 10, currently owned by Edinburgh council, are believed to be very valuable and could fetch a lot of money at auction.

“It is extraordinary that they wouldn’t at least look at what price they’d get when times are tough,” said Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow.

Most of the number plates are handed down from old district councils. For some it is a matter of tradition and civic pride that the number plates are kept where they are.

Many of the 23 highlighted number plates are worth in access of £50,000, but some are speculated to be worth as much as £500,000.

Similar requests to sell off the assets were brought forward in 2010 and again earlier this year, once again lead by the Scottish Green Party.

Steve Burgess, Green party councillor for Southside/Newington, said: “With council funding being cut and public facilities being closed down, now is the right time to sell off the council’s truly useless assets and raise much needed funds.

“Any council hoarding a number plate worth half a million pounds has got its priorities wrong.”

Police & Halfords Tag Team Against Registration Thieves

June 11, 2012
Posted in Car news,Number Plate News — Written by National Numbers

Loughborough police will attempt to tackle number plate crime with the help of the local Halfords.

“Since the start of the year we have had 23 incidents where vehicle registration plates have been stolen”, said PCSO Anthony Brewin, who is overseeing the initiative.

“Number plate thefts continue to be a problem nationally and have increased in recent years. This is partly due to an increase in the use of speed cameras, rise in petrol costs and charges for use of certain roads.”

Stolen or cloned registrations have been used in the past to disguise stolen vehicles, petrol theft, speeding and illegal parking.

Drivers can prevent number plate theft with tamper-proof screws, these will be offered as part of a free-fitting service.

“We realise that the theft of number plates can be a huge inconvenience to motorists”, says Steve Taylor of the Loughborough branch, “we are delighted to be working with Loughborough Police to help prevent this happening in future.”

Halfords are commended by the Loughborough police force for their assistance. The national retailer is even bringing in additional staff to help with the programme.

“We are really pleased that the local branch of Halfords have agreed to help us reduce crime in this area” said PCSO Anthony Brewin.

Wolverhampton Targeted by Petrol Theifs

April 29, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Police believe the rise in fuel prices are responsible for the sudden increase in petrol and diesel thefts in the West Midlands.

There have been 83 recorded incidents of petrol and diesel thefts (often referred to as ‘bilking’) in Wolverhampton since March, with police believing that organised crime units are behind the majority.

The AA reported last week that the average cost of 1 litre of petrol had soared to 142.48p with diesel reaching 147.88p.

Sgt Colin Mattinson explained that the force is working hard with petrol stations to stamp out the rising trend in petrol thefts.

“It may well be something to do with the increase in fuel prices. It could be any number of factors really,” stated Sgt Mattinson.

“Vigilance is key.

“People tend to park at the far pumps to try not to show their faces to the cameras and to hide themselves the best as possible.

“I think it’s a case of looking at those people and drawing them forward to the further pumps.”

Shailesh Parekh is the owner of one independent petrol station that has been on the receiving end of bilkers.

Despite training his cashiers to spot the tell-tale signs of potential bilkers, he has still lost approximately £3,000 in the past year from just one of his stations.

One van driver even took £150 worth of diesel.

“At my petrol stations we’ve started using websites where you can verify number plates so we haven’t suffered so badly [this year],” explained Mr Parekh.

“You can also go on websites to check if a car is insured.

“You have to be a bit of a detective but it makes you wonder why you’re doing the business.”

Mr Parekh also stated that paying for the fuel up front may help to tackle the problem.

For a unique personalised registration that you can be really proud of, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Stolen Number Plates used in Sheffield Petrol Thefts

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Over 100 number plates were stolen, with 51 separate incidents of petrol theft from Sheffield’s filling stations in just three months.

At the rate of one ‘drive-off’ every other day, petrol thefts have soared as a result of rising prices and the perception that global companies can take the hit.

DI Tate revealed that stolen number plates are often used on more than one occasion.

In addition, they are also used to ‘clone’ stolen vehicles to get them out of the country without detection.

“If someone steals number plates they have a very short period of time to utilise them,” DI Tate added.

“The theft will quickly be raised on the police national computer to identify them. The lifespan of these plates is relatively short.

“There’s one thing that would stop drive-offs, and that is making people pay before receiving their fuel.

“The technology is there but petrol stations are reluctant to do it because of the extra sales generated when customers go into a shop after filling up.”

Number plate thefts reached a total of 113 for the three month period, resulting in at least one set of number plates being taken every day from cars in the city of Sheffield.

Police are fully aware of how stolen registrations are strongly linked with covering the tracks of vehicles involved in bilking.

For the same period last year, 125 number plates were taken with 48 incidents of bilking from petrol stations.

“There has to be an element of fuel costs involved and I think it is seen among criminals as a victimless crime,” explained Detective Inspector Helen Tate from South Yorkshire Police’s crime management unit.

She added: “In times of economic struggle, when people are finding it difficult, these are the kinds of crimes that are the first to escalate.”

South Yorkshire Police are now calling on the public to assist in catching those responsible.

For a unique personalised registration that really says something about you, at a price you can afford, just call the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Edinburgh Lord Provost May Have to Sell £500k S0 Plate

April 18, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost may have to sell his prized number plate under proposals aimed at boosting the council’s finances.

Under a proposed plan by the Edinburgh Greens, the ‘S0′ number plate which has been valued at £500,000 would be put up for sale.

In addition, a selection of the council’s “most useless assets” would also be sold off.

The measures are a part of the party’s manifesto ahead of the council elections on May 3 and are a reaction to the difficult budgetary constraints set out for the next five years.

The Greens have stated that they would enforce a review of civic assets with no practical use.

The S0 number plate is currently displayed on Lord Provost George Grubb’s BMW 7 and would be one of the most sought-after registrations in the UK if it went on sale.

“With council funding being cut and public facilities being closed down, now is the right time to sell off the council’s truly useless assets and raise much needed funds,” explained Green councillor Steve Burgess.

“Any council hoarding a number plate worth half a million pounds has got its priorities wrong.”

When number plates were first issued in 1903, Scotland was allocated the prefix ‘S’.

The registration ‘S1′ would have been allocated to the Lord Provost’s car, but the city’s leaders were too slow in purchasing the license.

“Different things have to be looked at in terms of savings and this could be explored,” added councillor Jason Rust, Tory economic development spokesman.

The city’s Labour party leader, Andrew Burns, stated: “Frankly there are much bigger issues facing the city, but if there is a proposal brought forward to auction the plates it’s something we’d consider.”

Although, a council spokeswoman revealed that “the number plates are of historical value to the city” and they have no plans to sell them.

For a unique personalised registration at a price you can afford, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738.

Olympic Themed Number Plates Set for Auction

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

London 2012 organisers are spreading Olympic-fever to the world of personalised registrations, but introducing a special Olympic-themed range of number plates.

Motorists will be able to show their support by buying one of the special number plates this June when they go under the hammer.

“There is a small but enthusiastic band of drivers who like to have distinctive number plates,” explained Paul Watters from the Automobile Association.

“The Olympics excite most people and the plan is for the legacy to live on.

“These number plates are another small way of people doing that.”

Number Plates such as GO11 DEN, GB12 ROW and RUN 100M will be available from 7 of June.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has been made an official licensee for the London 2012 Olympic games.

The three-day auction will see 1,750 registrations go under the hammer at London City Hall, London, over the 7th, 8th and 9th June.

Those lucky enough to win one of the number plates will also receive an official box to accompany the plate.

The event will see almost 400 Olympic-themed registrations go up for auction.

Mr Watters added: “We are happy the sales are permitted as there is an appetite for them and for some people a reminder of the event may be something they want to cherish.”

Locog commercial director Chris Townsend revealed: “We are delighted to welcome the DVLA as the latest addition to the London 2012 merchandise programme.

“I’m sure that the plates will really strike a note with fans of the Games.”

EN61 AND will go into the auction with a price of £2,000, GO11 DEN has a price of £2,500 and 2012 GB is listed at just £1,500.

2012 O, 2012 A, 2012 B and 2012 C are all going up for auction at an Olympic-themed price of £2012.

There are hundreds of other number plates available, so if you’re interested in finding out more, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers on -1642 363738.

National Numbers even provide an expert bidding service, so if you can’t make it to the auction, you can still be sure to get the plate you want at a price you can afford.

Department for Transport Plan Number Plate Overhaul

April 16, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The Department for Transport is in the process of reviewing the current UK system for the control and production of number plates.

The DfT will look for areas in which improvements can be made to enhance and improve the current system whilst keeping any disruptions to the motorist and industry at a bare minimum.

The review will investigate the possibility of relaxing the current legislation governing number plate design and display.

Once the review has been conducted, the DfT will open discussions and invite questions from members of the number plate industry and any interested parties.

Any future changes to legislation will require a full public consultation.

The DVLA host regular auctions offering a fantastic range personalised registrations.

If you missed that last auction at the De Vere Village Leeds South, Tingley, Leeds, in March, there’s another personalised registration auction planned to take place on 7th, 8th and 9th June at London City Hall.

These three day events are hugely popular, with at least 1,500 number plates attracting people from throughout the UK, seeking a unique number plate at a bargain price.

National Numbers offers a bidding service for all those who are unable to attend any of the DVLA’s nationwide personalised registration auctions.

If you would like to find out more about how the bidding service works, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

National Numbers have over 10 years of experience in getting people the number plate they want at a price they are delighted with, so don’t miss out; call National Numbers today!

Victim of Police Shooting was in Stolen Audi with False Plates

March 27, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

It has been reported that a man who was shot dead by police may have been sitting in a stolen car with false number plates when the incident took place.

Anthony Granger was 36 when a police officer fired a single shot from a sub-machine gun through the windscreen of his red Audi, piercing his heart.

The vehicle had been tracked by police for some time when armed officers approached it.

The officers are believed to have ordered the three men in the car to raise their hands into the air, and when Mr Grainger failed to do so, he was shot.

It’s now believed that the vehicle was stolen and equipped with false number plates.

In addition, no weapons were found on a preliminary search of the vehicle, the policeman who made the fatal shot was an experienced firearms officer and hasn’t been suspended from duty following this incident.

Also, during the operation, two weapons were fired and a CS gas canister was used by police.

“It is very important we carry out a thorough assessment of all the issues before any decisions are made,” explained Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins of Greater Manchester Police.

“We are carrying out this assessment in close liaison with the Police Federation, the line managers of all those officers involved and the IPCC.”

The inquest into Mr Grainger’s death was adjourned by Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg, awaiting the findings of the IPCC investigation.

”Our investigation into the actions of the officers at the scene, the planning and implementation of the police operation and the reason for the deployment and discharge of firearms is progressing,” explained IPCC commissioner Naseem Malik.

“There is a great deal of work still to be done including forensic examinations, ballistic tests and interviews with a number of police officers.

“Investigators have identified some witnesses to events but I would urge anyone who has information about the incident to come forward to assist our investigation.

“Any piece of information, no matter how insignificant you believe it to be, can assist us.”

National Numbers can help to find you the personalised registration you’ve always dreamed of, so call 01642 363738 to find out more today!

Wigan Man Warns about Number Plate Scams

March 26, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A businessman from Wigan has been hit by a cloning scam which left him with nearly £400 worth of fines to pay.

Tony Dunn was left shocked when three fixed penalty charges were issued to him by London councils for offences committed by a motorist using the registration number registered to his Ford Transit.

Mr Dunn, 40, who runs construction firm Dunn, is now locked in a battle to clear his name.

Evidence has been provided by Mr Dunn that proves his van was in use elsewhere when the offences were committed.

The vehicle that committed the crimes is also a white Ford Transit, but a photo proves that it is clearly different.

This fine was overturned, but there are still two fines outstanding, and Mr Dunn is considering changing his number plates, if not the vehicle.

“It is extremely annoying,” said Mr Dunn.

“It is creating a lot of work that we don’t need.

“I can’t help wondering when the next letter’s coming along.

“It is possible someone looked up my van details on any one of several official websites and took the scam from there.”

“We had never been there.

“The council sent photographic evidence and while it was a white Transit it wasn’t ours.

“Ours has a roof rack, stickers on the bodywork and dealership details on the numberplate and that one didn’t.

“We were ordered to pay £85 which would rise to £170 if not paid in 28 days.

“We got a statement from a customer in Merseyside confirming the van was there on the day of the infringement but it is still not sorted despite calls to the police and DVLA.”

“I want to warn other vehicle owners about this.

“Don’t ignore the fines but contact the police in the area the offence took place, and get a crime reference number; contact the DVLA and send it a letter about the charges (while keeping a copy).

“Obtain as much proof as possible for your vehicle’s alibi and complete the form that comes with the fines that allows you to challenge them as quickly as possible.

“I am now seriously considering forking out to change the plates if not the vehicle.”

For a personalised registration at a fantastic price, just contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.