mmg.com.au

Greater Shepparton residents will have the chance to secure their number plates on Sunday.

Shepparton Safer Community Group will hold a number plate securing day at Harvey Norman in Shepparton, which will help reduce the amount of plate thefts in the area.

Volunteers will remove the original number plate screws, which will be replaced with one-way screws that can only be undone with a tailored screwdriver.

Shepparton police Leading Senior Constable Robin Sharp said the one-way screws would alleviate the consequences of plates being stolen.

‘‘People would be up for about $39 to have the plates replaced through VicRoads, but in the case of a gold coin donation, and having the screws fitted, could mean they don’t have to do that,’’ he said. ‘‘The reason why people pinch the plates might be to put them on an unregistered car, or if they cop a traffic fine or a toll fee they don’t have to pay.’’

Lead Sen Const Sharp urges people to report stolen number plates to police immediately.

He said last year there were about 10000 number plates stolen across Victoria.

If people wish to replace their own number plate screws, a flat-bedded screwdriver is required to fit the safety screws.

Lead Sen Const Sharp said if people were unable to make the day, they could drop into Shepparton Police Station to have the safety screws installed.

Operation Safe Plate is on Sunday from 10am until 2pm at Harvey Norman, Melbourne Rd, Shepparton. A gold coin donation would be appreciated. For more information, phone Lead Sen Const Sharp on 58205847.