As a car owner, you’ll be painfully aware of the risk of having your car stolen, but what about your number plate?
Research by Churchill insurance has shown a sharp increase in the number of stolen and cloned number plates reported across the UK in recent years, so it’s important to be aware of the risks.
In fact, the amount of stolen number plates has risen by an incredible 68% since 2021. The number of cloned plates reported has also risen (by over 40%) as drivers are urged to stay vigilant and report stolen or cloned plates immediately.
| Year | Reports of stolen number plates | Reports of cloned number plates |
| 2021 | 3,376 | 7,430 |
| 2022 | 4,022 | 7,837 |
| 2023 | 4,295 | 9,948 |
| 2024 | 5,683 | 10,461 |
Why are number plates stolen or cloned?
There are several reasons why number plates may be stolen or cloned, but it’s usually to carry out some form of criminal activity. This can be to avoid detection by law enforcement and cameras, to dodge parking fines or speeding tickets, to disguise stolen or wanted vehicles, or to skip paying toll and congestion fees.
What can happen if your number plate is stolen or cloned?
It’s relatively easy to notice a stolen number plate, in which case you should report it straight away to protect yourself if or when any penalty notices or fines arrive.
But, with cloning, it can be a lot harder to realise what’s happened. As Louise, from Kent, found out...
She explains, “Fines arrived slowly at first but soon snowballed. I was dreading the postman walking up my garden path every day. My emotions went from shock, doom and frustration to worry, anxiety and anger on a daily basis – wondering if the preparators were using my details in more serious crimes.
“I reported it to the police, Action Fraud, the DVLA and my insurer, but the fines still kept arriving. It was a time-consuming process to log it and follow up and the whole thing took over five months to resolve. I still received a random one from West Yorkshire Police a year later – and I live down south, so that was further worry.
“The car they used was even the same make and model as mine! I would definitely recommend gathering evidence from the very first piece of mail you receive, act fast and report it, and don’t think twice about double checking your diary before even contemplating paying any fines. My manager kindly produced a supporting document to confirm my whereabouts for the dates and times of some of the fines. That helped”.
What should drivers do if their number plate gets stolen or cloned?
While you may notice a stolen plate quite quickly, you may only find out about a cloning when you receive fines or tickets. Drivers are urged to act immediately - report it to the police, DLVA and their insurers. The police will issue a crime reference number, which drivers will need if they challenge any fines or penalties linked to the theft or clone of their number plate.
What can drivers do to help prevent stolen or cloned number plates?
The theft and clone of number plates affects innocent drivers and can cause stress and alarm. So, fitting tamper-proof screws to number plates may be a simple but effective theft deterrent. Reporting the theft or cloning quickly is also key.
Above all, if you suspect your number plate has been stolen or cloned – act fast! Contact the police, DVLA and your insurer to report it, and speak to whoever the fine came from and let them know. Finally, gather evidence and double check your whereabouts at the time of the incidents, to help prove your innocence.
