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National Numbers Articles

Stolen Number Plates used in Sheffield Petrol Thefts

April 29, 2012
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.

Crackdown on Metal Theft a ‘Success’

March 7, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Police have come to the end of a month-long crackdown on metal theft throughout Cornwall and Devon.

Throughout February, police mounted Operation Mountain; an operation created to disturb and reduce the amount of metal thefts in the regions.

Due to the recent upsurge in metal prices coupled with the economic difficulties throughout the country, metal thefts have risen nationwide, with Devon and Cornwall also subjected to this rise.

Travelling criminals have stolen from many rural locations where policing isn’t as prominent, with new building developments, rail networks, industrial sites, churches, schools and areas with installed cables hit the hardest.

Officers aimed their attentions towards vehicles travelling along roads in Devon and Cornwall, with stop-checks carried out with the support of intelligence-led policing.

Police implemented Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to combat the thefts.

High visibility patrols have also been used as a deterrent to anyone thinking about committing a crime.

Inspector Dave Meredith believes it’s too early to assess the level of success the operation had, but similar operations will be conducted in the future.

“Stop-checks on vehicles were generally very well received, with several drivers of commercial vehicles stating that their business had suffered losses over recent months from the increase in metal thefts,” officer Meredith explained.

“This operation sends out a clear message that Devon and Cornwall police recognise the impact of metal thefts on the community, and are prepared to dedicate resources to detect and deter offenders involved in these crimes.”

Anyone who sees suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact their local police force with any details.

If you’re looking for a fantastic personalised registration at a low price, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Couple Found Guilty of Insurance Fraud

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

A couple purchased a written-off car, then attempted to claim for an insurance payout for its full value, claiming it had been stolen.

The couple’s attempted deception was detected because none of the number plate recognition cameras situated in the Midlands had detected the Vauxhall Corsa since Andrew Morris had bought it.

Mr Morris was subsequently taken into custody after a judge stated that there was no reason why he shouldn’t begin his “inevitable jail sentence” immediately.

Leamington crown court found Mr Morris, 43, or Wolston, guilty of conspiring to commit fraud, concealing criminal property, a stolen Volkswagen Golf and obtaining the key to a stolen Volkswagen Passat.

His partner, Sharon Billingham, 41, of Coventry, was also found guilty of conspiring to commit fraud and concealing criminal property.

Prosecuting, Michelle Heeley told the jury how three stolen cars were used to make claims that the cars were stolen in order to receive payments from insurance companies.

A stolen car had been found by police at Mr Morris’ property, so following further investigation, the insurance fraud was uncovered.

The car was insured for £8,000 in April by Ms Billingham, and reported as stolen two months later while they were in an Indian restaurant.

Miss Heeley, prosecuting, queried why there was no class where the Corsa was supposed to have been parked, as it used an electronic key system, which would have made entry and ignition very difficult without it.

The insurance company did not pay out, after deeming the receipt for the purchase of the Corsa for £7,800 from a man from Leicester as suspicious.

Police checked their automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and found that the Corsa had not been detected on any of their cameras in the Midlands, and therefore, had not been driven from Leicester and not been on the road from the day it was purchased.

For a great personalised registration at a low price, just contact the number plate experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.

Welsh Cameras Tackle Number Plate Thefts

January 21, 2012
Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

The use of number plate recognition cameras could be the reason for the sharp drop in number plate thefts.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that thefts of number plates have dropped in Wales, from 1,224 in 2008/09 to 956 in 2010/11.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition might be the reason for the downturn in the theft of registration plates, as police can instantly detect cars using the wrong plates, according to Andrew Howard, head of road safety at the AA.

“If you want to drive uninsured, you’re not going to get very far if the system spots your car isn’t registered as insured,” explained Mr Howard.

“If the police spot that the blue car (with those plates) should be white, it could be the sort of thing that ends with you getting pulled over.”

He believes that detecting number plates that have been reported as stolen can be detected much more easily and helps to reduce other crimes, too.

“So much boils down to the fact that if someone is a criminal they have little regard for the law generally,” he added.

“You can quite often find that they will drive uninsured or break the speed limit. That’s why so many major criminals end up being caught by the police (for minor driving offences).”

Gary Kelly, police inspector for North Wales Police, is backing the technology in its use against crime.

“Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology is deployed extensively across North Wales so should thieves steal number plates, we will immediately be able to recognise if they have been placed on another vehicle when it passes one of our ANPR locations or vehicles,” he revealed.

“This is sending a strong message to criminals, that if they steal cars or number plates in North Wales they will be caught.”

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

Scottish Gangster Cashes in on Prized £20k Registration

Posted in Number Plate News — Written by matthew.smith

Ian “Blink” McDonald, one of Scotland’s most famous gangsters, has sold his most prized number plate for over £20,000.

McDonald chose to sell the number plate following the deliberate torching of his Mercedes.

This incident isn’t the first time that McDonald has been targeted.

Members of the Scottish criminal underworld have made several attempts on his life.

Past attempts have seen a bomb attached to his car, as well as a fire-bombing attempt.

Following these attacks, McDonald is now hoping to keep a lower profile.

“I’ve been keeping a lower profile lately and I decided to get rid of the number plate. I sold it for over £20,000 – I was pleased with the deal.

“I almost felt like I shouldn’t have sold it to the guy because his car will probably end up getting blown up.

“It’s a great reg but I just decided I would be better with something that didn’t stand out so much.

“I’m not sure where it is but hopefully the new owner isn’t mistaken for me.”

McDonald loved cruising around in his Black Mercedes, bearing the ‘B1 LNK’ numberplate for which he was so infamously associated with.

Following the 2009 fire-bomb attack, insurers refused to pay out, causing McDonald to adopt a lower profile.

Just days after his car was attacked, rivals attacked McDonald, slashing his face and attempting to cut his throat.McDonald now drives a Vauxhall Astra with a regular number plate.

You can find a great personalised registration for a low price.

Just call the experts at National Numbers on 01642 363738 and let one of the friendly advisers guide you to your perfect number plate.