Victorian motorists are being offered a simple, often free security upgrade as police confront a surge in number plate theft. At SafePL8 community events, standard plate screws are replaced with one-way fasteners that are much harder for thieves to remove.
The upgrade takes only minutes, but it can prevent a costly chain of problems. Stolen plates are frequently fitted to other vehicles used in burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive-offs, drug trafficking and attempts to avoid police detection.
What drivers are being offered
The initiative does not involve replacing or modifying the car. Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch and SES representatives regularly attend SafePL8 events where anti-theft screws are fitted to number plates, often free of charge.
There is no statewide rebate or application form. Event dates, availability and fitting arrangements vary, so drivers should check the official Victoria Police SafePL8 page or their local Eyewatch Facebook page before attending.
Drivers who cannot reach an event can buy the screws from hardware stores, automotive retailers and some petrol stations. A 22-screw pack was advertised by Bunnings for $6.69 when the offer was reported, although current prices may differ.
Why ordinary screws are a weak point
Standard number plate screws can be removed quickly with common tools. Anti-theft versions turn in one direction and generally require a specialised tool for removal.
They cannot guarantee that a plate will remain secure, but they increase the time, difficulty and noise involved. Trying to force them out may also damage the plate, reducing its usefulness to an offender. Pop rivets are another option for suitable vehicles.
Five suburbs recording the most street thefts
Crime Statistics Agency figures cited for the year ending March 2026 recorded 32,614 number plate theft offences across Victoria. Almost half involved vehicles parked on residential streets.
- Dandenong: 310 offences
- Preston: 213 offences
- Reservoir: 197 offences
- St Albans: 170 offences
- Craigieburn: 170 offences
The figures show that vehicles parked outside homes overnight are a major target—not only those left at railway stations, shopping centres or public car parks.
The hidden cost for innocent owners
When stolen or cloned plates are attached to another vehicle, cameras record the legitimate registration number. The real owner may then receive toll charges, parking infringements or traffic fines for journeys and offences they did not commit.
One Victorian motorcyclist reportedly faced thousands of dollars in fines after registration plates linked to a motorcycle he had sold years earlier were cloned. Victims may need to dispute every notice using a statutory declaration and police report.
Photographs of the legitimate vehicle and plates, registration-transfer records and evidence of when the theft was reported can help support a challenge.
Victoria’s car-crime bill reaches $243 million
Insurance data covering five Australian states recorded about 29,000 motor-theft claims during 2025, up 2.5 per cent, with total incurred costs of $485 million.
Victoria accounted for more than 12,500 claims worth $243 million—more than the combined cost in the other states analysed. Victorian claim numbers rose 25 per cent and costs increased 37 per cent.
Metropolitan Victoria recorded approximately 10,400 claims worth $205 million. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated that a vehicle is stolen or broken into every 42 minutes in the state.
Without Victoria, claims across the five states would have fallen by about 10 per cent. Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland recorded declines of 15, 14 and 12 per cent respectively, while New South Wales fell 1.6 per cent.
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Steps that reduce the risk
A locked garage is the safest option. If one is unavailable, police recommend parking in a private driveway, using sensor lighting and choosing a visible, well-lit position.
Drivers should secure both plates and regularly check that neither has been loosened. Valuables, keys, garage remotes and documents containing a home address should not be left inside the vehicle.
Motorists reviewing other road-safety issues can check the Isuzu truck steering fault recall in Australia. Questions about emergency vehicle access have also followed China’s crackdown on hidden car door handles.
What victims should do immediately
Call Triple Zero if the theft is happening, the offender remains nearby or someone is in danger. Otherwise, report it online or call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Stolen plates must then be replaced at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Owners should bring identification and tools to attach the replacements because screws are not supplied. A replacement fee may apply.
General-issue plates receive a new letter and number combination. Custom plates can usually be reordered, but the stolen originals may continue generating fines or police inquiries.
After receiving the new registration, drivers should update their insurer, roadside-assistance provider and toll accounts. Any incorrect fines should be challenged promptly using a statutory declaration and the police report details.
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