POLICE in Nelson have renewed a plea for people to be on the lookout for thieves stealing registration plates.

Around three registration plates are reported missing every week, and are then used to steal petrol from garages in the area.

Nelson Inspector John Bullas said: "We are working with garages and trying to make it harder for people to do these drive-offs.

"We would appeal for anybody who sees anyone acting suspiciously around cars, and look like they're messing about with them, or who knows anything about this to give us a ring."

Anyone with information can contact Nelson police, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.