Drivers Beware: License Plate Theft On The Rise

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DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Police Department is warning the public that theft of license plates are on the rise in Denver.

Since the start of 2015 more than 950 plates have been reported stolen, a significant increase over 2014.

"That's over 100 plates a month," Lieutenant Jeff Martinez with Denver police said.

Typically plates that are stolen are used to commit other crimes.

Denver Police Lt. Jeff Martinez talks with CBS4's Mark Taylor (credit: CBS)

"Usually they are taking these plates because they are putting them on other vehicles and then they are committing crimes in these other vehicles," Martinez said.

Denver police are asking drivers to if possible park inside a garage, or park in well-lit areas. In addition police say to invest in anti-theft screws, which require tools to remove plates. They can be purchased at most auto parts stores.

Stolen license plates (credit: CBS)

If your license plate is stolen, it is important to report it to law enforcement as soon as possible.

"It's important that we know they are stolen so that we run the plate, we know that (it) has been stolen and doesn't belong on that vehicle," Martinez said.

Mark Taylor is a weekend morning anchor and reporter with CBS4 news covering a wide variety of stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkTaylor_TV.