Why you need platelok screws

NUMBER PLATE THEFT IS ON THE RISE!

Yes, the chances of you having the number plates stolen from your car are rising.

Over 40000 were reported stolen in 2006, an increase of 25% over 2005. And this figure is likely to rise as the price of fuel increases, and more local authorities introduce Congestion Charges, higher parking fees and speed cameras.

But why, you might be asking, would anyone want to steal my number plates?

It’s simple, so that they can commit crime using your identity, and then get away with it, while you get the hassle of convincing everyone that it wasn’t you!

Don’t think it could happen? Neither did these people!
“It was horrendous. You are guilty until you can prove you’re not”

BBC Web site

“A 62-year-old woman who was accused of speeding, illegal parking and for driving away from a petrol station without paying”

Institute of Advanced Motorist news letter

“A man who travels into London by train was hit with bills totalling £8000 for Congestion Charges and speeding offences. The car cloned with his vehicle's number plates entered the zone at least 28 times”

BBC London

What do you do if your number-plate is stolen and your car is cloned?

If your number-plate is stolen, don't dismiss it as trivial but irritating vandalism. Report it immediately to the police.

If you get speeding or parking tickets and you know it could not have been you, do not ignore then or you may end up in court or ahve baliffs knocking at your door. Contact the authority that issued the ticket and explain the situation. Quote any reference number the police may have given you when you reported the number-plate theft.
Carry personal identity and proof of ownership of the car, such as the MoT certificate or V5C registration document, in case the police spot the number-plate on ANPR cameras and stop your car. Make sure documents are carried securely and don’t leave them in the car. Some victims of number-plate cloning have been issued with letters by the police to produce if stopped.
If you are continually harassed as a result of the car being cloned, ask the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you can re-register your car and be given a new registration number. They usually do this if you can provide evidence of several incidents and proof of entitlement to the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions about Number Plate Theft

Why would anybody want to steal my car number plates?
Quite simply, to permit a thief to perform car-related crimes, and get away with it!

What is the likelihood of having my number plates stolen?
Official government statistics for 2006 show that 40000 sets of number plates were recorded as stolen, up by 25%. Police think this could be higher as not all thefts were recorded. So the odds of having your plates stolen are increasing, and unlikely to reverse for the foreseeable future.

Why has number plate theft increased recently?
The increase in speed cameras, congestion charges, parking fines and the price of fuel have increased the value of your plates to a thief.

What would happen if I had my number plates stolen?
After stealing your plates, the thief can speed, enter a congestion charge without paying, park illegally or steal fuel. The first time you know it has happened could be when a police officer knocks on your door! You will then have to prove it wasn’t you, and you will be treated as guilty until you prove yourself innocent.

How easy is it to remove a number plate fitted with conventional screws?
On average 20 seconds per plate.

How do Platelok screws work?
The unique, patented design of the Platelok screw means that it is as easy to install as a conventional one, but once the locking pin has been inserted it is almost impossible to remove.

Where are Platelok screws designed and made?
Platelok screws are a product of farouse design ltd, and are manufactured in the UK

Can Platelok screws only be used on cars?
No, they can be fitted to any vehicle.

Is there only one type of Platelok screw?
No, they are available in four different colours, black, yellow, white & blue.

How do I fit Platelok screws?
Basically the Platelok screw is a direct replacement for the screw on your existing number plate*. Remove this and replace with the Platelok screw, tighten and then insert the locking pin. That’s it! Two screws should be used on each plate. If DIY is not for you they can be easily fitted by your local mechanic.

*Number plates without holes for fixing screws will require a hole to be drilled.

The number plates on my car are held on with adhesive pads, do I still need Platelok screws and how do I fit them?

Number plates secured by this method can be removed by applying a solvent (ie petrol) which will soften the adhesive. Apply the solvent sparingly as some can affect the paint on your car (something that the thief will not worry about when removing them from your car!). Before the plate can be re-fitted it will be necessary to drill two mounting holes, check that there are no cables or pipes that could be damaged before drilling the holes

Will Platelok screws make my number plates completely theft proof?
Unfortunately nothing is completely Theft Proof. Given enough time and resource a thief can steel anything, even the whole car! Hence we have to say that Platelok screws are Theft Resistant. But if a thief has a choice of which number plates to steal he will inevitably choose the ones without the Platelok screw.

How do I remove my plate if I need to?
My first reply would be ‘Why do you need to remove them?’ The majority of vehicles will never have their number plates removed (unless they are being stolen…). If you remove your number plates on a regular basis then these screws are not for you.

If you really need to remove the screws, the easiest way is to grind the head off the locking pin off and tap the remaining part through using a suitable drift, then unscrew in the usual way.

Small print