MORE than 700 number plates were stolen in Waltham Forest between January and July 2010, it has emerged.

Police said criminals use them to aid offences such as theft, burglary and robberies.

In an attempt to tackle the problem, police are working with Halford Autocentres to fit tamper proof screws to car registration plates free of charge.

Chief Inspector Andy Norfolk said: “We re trying to tackle the problem of number plate theft head on and we feel that this partnership with Halford Autocentres is a huge step in achieving this.

“We hope by coordinating this campaign and alerting motorists we can reduce the current issues in this type of crime.”

The tamper proof screws are available from Halfords Autocentre, High Road, Ilford, this week.

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