Victoria’s suburbs, home to some of the state’s most diverse migrant communities, have become hotspots for number plate thefts, with Casey and Greater Dandenong topping the list.
According to the latest crime data, Casey recorded the highest number of incidents in the state, with 1,987 number plate thefts reported in the 12 months leading up to September 2024.
Hume (1,408), Greater Dandenong (1,374), Wyndham (1,121), and Brimbank (1,110) followed closely behind.
These suburbs are home to Victoria’s largest migrant populations, with Casey and Greater Dandenong having significant South Asian communities, Hume is known for its Middle Eastern demographic, and Brimbank has the highest Vietnamese population in the state.
Number Plates Fuel Crime Wave
Victoria Police have expressed growing concerns as more than half of all thefts from vehicles in Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia involve stolen licence plates. Worryingly, only 22% of stolen plates are recovered.
Authorities say criminals use stolen plates to commit burglaries, petrol drive-offs, drive-by shootings, arson, and even homicides while evading law enforcement.
Casey Local Area Commander Inspector Stu Richards highlighted the dangers of number plate theft, stating:
“Stolen number plates are attached to other vehicles—many of which are stolen—to help offenders fly under the radar and commit further crimes, including aggravated burglaries, arson attacks, drug trafficking, and petrol drive-offs.”
He urged vehicle owners to take preventive measures, warning that stolen plates can cause ongoing financial and legal trouble for victims.
“Having to replace your plates is not only an inconvenience, it’s also costly. Especially if you keep receiving tolls or fines once they’re in the hands of criminals.”
Crime Hotspots Identified
Police have pinpointed key areas where vehicles are frequently targeted for number plate thefts. These include:
- Attenborough Street and Cheltenham Road, Dandenong
- Kidds Road and Power Road, Doveton
- Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre
- Fountain Gate Shopping Centre
- McGregor Road and Main Street, Pakenham
Recent Arrests and Ongoing Crackdown
Victoria Police have made several arrests in recent months as part of an intensified crackdown on offenders.
- A 26-year-old man from Rosebud was caught using stolen plates for multiple petrol drive-offs. His vehicle was later involved in a serious crash in Somerville. He now faces theft of number plates, handling stolen goods, and petrol theft charges.
- A 41-year-old Pakenham man, arrested in January for loitering and drug possession, was linked to three number plate thefts through fingerprint analysis. He has been charged and bailed.
- A 21-year-old woman from Beaconsfield was arrested in December for allegedly stealing cars, handling stolen goods, and committing thefts in the Beaconsfield, Officer, and Pakenham areas. Police allege she also stole Christmas parcels and was later charged with 22 offences, including aggravated burglary, car theft, and handling stolen goods.
Despite these arrests, police acknowledge the issue is far from being under control.
Protecting Your Plates – What Residents Can Do
Authorities are urging residents to take simple steps to protect their number plates.
- Park in a secure garage if possible
- Install anti-theft screws to prevent easy removal
- Report any suspicious activity immediately
Anti-theft screws are available for purchase at local hardware stores, auto shops, and petrol stations for just a few dollars. However, Victoria Police are offering them for free at all police stations across Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia.
“These screws are an easy way to deter thieves; they are really difficult to remove in a hurry and while they can be removed with brute force, it often damages the plate and renders it unusable,” Inspector Richards said.
Police are also conducting Safe Plate Days in partnership with Casey Neighbourhood Watch to educate residents about safeguarding their vehicles. Shopping centres, hospitals, and car yards are also working with law enforcement to improve vehicle security.
Victoria’s Migrant Communities Bear the Brunt
With many of these crime hotspots located in areas with high migrant populations, police are urging community leaders to help spread awareness.
“We understand that not everyone has access to a secure garage, but even taking small steps like installing anti-theft screws can make a big difference,” Inspector Richards said.
Authorities are calling for greater cooperation from residents, businesses, and community organisations to curb this alarming trend.
With the cost of living already burdening families, the last thing residents need is additional expenses due to crime.
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