Unfortunately, there are more and more cases of number plate theft in the UK, with registrations being used to disguise stolen vehicles, commit fuel theft, avoid speeding fines, and more.
If your number plates have been stolen in the UK, it's crucial to act promptly to protect yourself from potential legal and financial repercussions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this situation, should it occur.
Your first step, as it should be with any crime, is to report the theft to the police. You can do this by calling 101 or visiting your local police station.
Clearly explain what’s happened, specifying that your registrations have been stolen and not lost, and you’ll be given a crime reference number once your report has been made.
Keep this number safe as you might need it when contacted about law-breaking relating to your stolen number plates.
Next, you should inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your number plate theft. They won’t take any direct action, but it won’t do you any harm to keep your vehicle records up to date in case your registration is used illegally.
If your logbook (V5C registration certificate) is also stolen, you’ll need to request a replacement from the DVLA using your Government Gateway login.
You can contact the DVLA online or by phone at 0300 790 6802.
Telling your insurance provider about the theft can ensure you aren’t implicated for crimes such as parking violations or speeding offences. Give them your crime reference number so they can make a note on your file.
They might even cover the cost of your stolen number plates, depending on the policy you’ve taken out with them.
It is illegal to drive a vehicle in the UK with no registration plates on show. If you drive without them, you may face a fine up to £1,000, have your vehicle seized, or receive points on your license.
This is a crucial step you shouldn’t ignore, even for the shortest of trips.
You’ll need to visit a DVLA-registered number plate supplier to replace your number plates.
To prove your identity, you’ll need your driving license, passport, or a utility bill. You’ll also need your logbook, V750 certificate, or retention document to prove your entitlement to the registration number.
If your number plates are stolen, you could be a victim of fraud if they’re misused. Examples of this include:
If you start receiving fines or penalty notices for times and places you weren’t driving, contact the issuing authority immediately with your crime reference number. You should also keep records of any examples of misuse as evidence.
Unfortunately, having your number plates stolen can happen more than once, especially in higher-risk areas. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
Anti-theft screws are specially made to be harder to remove without a specific tool. They’re extremely effective and not as expensive as you might think.
Try and park your vehicle in well-lit areas that have high foot traffic. Better yet, use a locked garage if you have one and install CCTV or motion-sensor lights in your driveway as a deterrent.
Number plate theft is much more than an inconvenience. It’s a serious issue that can lead to fines, investigations, and worse. However, by reporting the crime quickly and taking the steps we’ve listed above, you can protect your identity and stay on the right side of the law.
To replace your number plates, we recommend using Replace My Plates, sister company of Jepson & Co Ltd, one of the UK’s leading number plate manufacturers.
You can also buy the entitlement to road-legal number plates with National Numbers, browsing over 73 million combinations. Browse number plates online or call our sales team on 01642 363738.