POLICE will tomorrow offer motorists a way to beat registration plate-stealing criminals.

Officers in Padiham are fitting tamper-proof number plate screws to vehicles at Somerfield’s car park, off Burnley Road, between 11am and 2pm.

Experts say the special crews make it more difficult for thieves to steal the plates and use them in offences such as petrol station drive-offs.

The session is the latest initiative by police in Burnley and Padiham to help motorists arm themselves against criminals.

They have already fitted the screws to thousands of cars and hope it will help reduce car-related crime across East Lancashire.

Sgt Martin Bishop, from Padiham police, said: “Although car crime levels are relatively low in this area we have seen a handful of number plate thefts in the last month throughout the division.

“Therefore it still makes sense for people to do what they can to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime still further.

“I would urge people to come along and take advantage of the free fitting of safety screws and also to take this opportunity to talk to their local officers if they have any concerns.”

Police figures show around 30,000 number plates are stolen every year in the UK, with many more going unreported.

However, officers believe the tamper-proof plates could significantly reduce the number.

For more information about today’s event or tamper-proof plates, call Padiham police on 01282 425001.