To ensure this does not happen to you, the police will install the irreversible numberplate screws free of charge. By reducing the opportunity for criminals to steal registration plates we can reduce many types of crime.

The Hume Police District will assist vehicle owners by supplying and installing the tamper-proof number plate screws at Goulburn Police Station on Thursday July 19 and Friday July 20 between 4pm and 6pm. Depending on demand, further dates and locations will be advised if required.

This campaign builds on the success of Operation Tabella, which saw tamper-resistant number plates installed on more than 12,000 vehicles in the areas of Sydney with the higher rates of number plate theft.

In NSW, the most commonly stolen items from cars are number plates, followed by cash, wallets and other valuables.

Police are also warning motorists to ensure that their motor vehicles are locked and to not leave valuable items in their vehicles, especially those parked in driveways, open carports and on the roadway during the hours of darkness.

A high number of steal from motor vehicle offences are crimes of opportunity where offenders only target unlocked cars.

Those wishing to have the number plates screws fitted can attend the parking at the front of Goulburn Police Station.

After signing a permission form, police will fit the screws.