Canberra residents are facing a sharp rise in vehicle registration plate thefts, with nearly 700 incidents reported across the ACT so far this year. The stolen plates are often used by criminals to commit offences in other states, evade speed cameras, and rack up fines for unsuspecting original owners.
Franklin Family's Shocking Discovery
Ben, a long-term Canberra resident of 25 years, became one of the hundreds of victims when thieves targeted his Audi A3 convertible parked outside his Franklin home on the night of November 27. The perpetrators meticulously removed both blue-on-white ACT plates, taking even the screws, leaving no immediate trace of the crime.
"My son walked home from the gym the next morning and asked me, 'Dad, did you take the plates?'" Ben recalled. Having owned multiple vehicles over two and a half decades, he had never before experienced plate theft. He promptly reported the incident to police and obtained a new set of plates with fresh registration details from Access Canberra.
A Higgins Family's Harrowing Ordeal
In a separate and more complex case, a Higgins family fell victim to a terrifying sequence of crimes beginning on October 23. Burglars struck their home while the couple, both public servants, were at work, stealing valuables and the spare keys to their SUV.
Fifteen days later, the thieves returned, likely using the stolen keys, and took the vehicle from their driveway. The SUV was later discovered abandoned outside Charnwood Shops, stripped of its brand logo and registration plates. The interior had been doused with petrol, possibly in an attempt to destroy evidence by setting it alight.
The family's ordeal continued when they received a speeding fine for $498 and three demerit points, incurred while their stolen plates were on another vehicle. They now face the burden of disputing the penalty with authorities.
Police Data and Prevention Advice
ACT Policing confirmed that 698 number plate offences were recorded in the territory in 2025 up to November 30. This follows 875 offences in 2024 and 994 in 2023.
Authorities are urging all motorists to take proactive steps to secure their plates. Tamper-proof screws, available for free at all ACT police stations, are strongly recommended. These specialised screws are significantly more difficult for thieves to remove compared to standard fittings and act as a key deterrent.
Police were unable to provide specific figures on how many crimes have been committed using stolen plates, but confirm the link to further criminal activity is a major concern.
What to Do If Your Plates Are Stolen
If you become a victim of plate theft, ACT Policing advises following these steps:
- Report the theft immediately: Contact ACT Policing on 131 444 and file an online report.
- Obtain a reference number: This number is essential and must be presented if you need to drive temporarily without a plate.
- Apply for new plates: Visit Access Canberra with your police reference number to apply for replacement plates.
- Plate suspension: You will receive new plates with new registration details, and your old plates will be suspended in the system.
- Dispute any fines: Any traffic or parking infringements received on your stolen plates after the time of the theft can be disputed with the relevant authority.
