{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreih5rp6q4wpvccarxbzmgnyxdtzrbvhr6ajxpeqilme2cfybu2yq2a",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml3rvx73va22"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreifffkqqq2nqzkwmhtvoj66u5rhmgkv74niouab7ainwdon4ewnjvi"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 346966
  },
  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/drivers-number-plate-changes-inform-dvla",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-05T08:12:56.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "HMRC VAT rate changes could see petrol and diesel drivers pay 'unnecessary' costs",
    "Driving licences to be stripped from motorists as Labour launches fresh crackdown on fly-tippers",
    "Major car brands face 'unavoidable trade-off' as hackers target millions of vehicles, ex-FBI cyber chief warns",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nExperts are calling on drivers to make changes to their number plates to crack down on criminals stealing them from vehicles.\n\nNew data shows that there were 7,381 incidents of stolen plates recorded in the UK last year, according to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis is a dramatic 30 per cent increase over the last 12 months, with it being more than double the total seen in 2021, when 3,376 plates were stolen.\n\nResearch also found a staggering rise in the number of number plates that had been cloned, prompting experts to call on drivers to use tamper-resistant screws.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nCriminals have started targeting number plates to cover their own plates, allowing them to avoid parking, speeding and Clean Air Zone fines.\n\nWhen these fines build up, they are sent to the original plate holder, often leading to local authorities losing out on crucial revenue.\n\nThis is especially prevalent with plate cloning, as victims will not know it has taken place until they start receiving fines.\n\nCases have become more common, including instances where drivers are fined for breaking rules in a city they have never travelled to.\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis includes Ruth Costello, from West Sussex, who received 19 fines from Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, despite never driving her car there.\n\nShe described it as a \"head-banging frustration\", adding that she was considering buying new plates for her own vehicle to avoid the same thing from happening again.\n\nKevin Mead, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: \"It's concerning to see that reports of stolen and cloned number plates are increasing so rapidly.\n\n\"It's a worrying trend that continues to cause significant stress and disruption for innocent drivers who are left dealing with months of inconvenience as they try to challenge penalties and clear their name.\"\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * HMRC VAT rate changes could see petrol and diesel drivers pay 'unnecessary' costs\n  * Driving licences to be stripped from motorists as Labour launches fresh crackdown on fly-tippers\n  * Major car brands face 'unavoidable trade-off' as hackers target millions of vehicles, ex-FBI cyber chief warns\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe suggested that drivers use tamper-resistant screws for number plates to reduce the possibility of being targeted by criminals.\n\nDrivers can buy tamper-resistant screws from most trade stores, with many of them being recommended by tradespeople.\n\nMr Mead also urged drivers to report that their plate has been stolen or suspected to be cloned, noting that \"swift action is essential\".\n\n\"Drivers should report it immediately to the police, inform the DVLA and alert their insurer to help limit further impact,\" the expert said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nResearch cited by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety claimed that as many as one in 15 vehicles may carry plates designed to evade detection by ANPR cameras.\n\nOther experts and motoring groups, including the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association, have called for tougher regulation of the industry.\n\nPotential reforms include slashing the number of registered dealers of number plates, as well as requiring stricter regulations before a plate can be sold.\n\nA report from the APPG found that many suppliers of number plates were still operating despite not being registered with the DVLA.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Drivers urged to make number plate changes and 'inform DVLA' amid rising fears"
}