POLICE are warning motorists to secure their number plates after a spate of thefts in the area. A total of 20 plates have been stolen in the last four weeks, with the Leigh area particularly hard hit.

In the majority of cases, registration plates were removed from cars while they were parked overnight on driveways.

Criminals use the plates on vehicles of a similar make or model to give them a false identity, and these are then used in a range of offences from burglary and robbery to driving off from petrol stations without paying.

Crime reduction advisor for Leigh, Wendy O'Neil, said: "There are a number of things motorists can do to. Plates can be protected by secure plate screws, and there are also specially made plates which are available to buy and which fall to bits if removed and so are rendered useless.

"These simple measures will reduce the chances of number plates being targeted and could save people a lot of worry."

Anyone who has their vehicle's number plates stolen should call police on 0161 872 5050.

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