AN INNOVATIVE approach to tackling number plate theft is currently being trialled in Bishop Auckland.

The Plate Safe campaign is aimed at raising awareness and tackling criminals who steal number plates in order to use them in other crimes.

Motorists can claim a free information pack and set of security screws for their vehicle which, cannot be undone using conventional screwdrivers, by visiting the front desk at Bishop Auckland Police Station by the end of next week.

PC Graham Russell, who came up with the initiative and is funding the trial himself, said: “I’ve observed an upwards trend in the theft of number plates across the county in the last two months, usually for them to then be used for other crimes like fuel theft and vehicle cloning."

“The Plate Safe initiative is a two-pronged attack on the issue. Not only does it get the word out and help to spread some much-needed advice, but the anti-tamper screws we are supplying can proactively reduce the risk of falling victim to the crime.”

PC Russell hopes that the response to the Plate Safe scheme will be positive, which could lead to it being rolled out across the whole of Country Durham and Darlington.

He added: “I want to show the public Durham Constabulary’s continued commitment to reducing crime, protecting our communities, and making what we call the ‘Durham Difference’.”