Police Wrap - 21 September 2010

1. Plates Safed:

ACT Policing officers fitted over 600 vehicles with tamper-proof screws during a special crime prevention program conducted in conjunction with Westfield Woden on Sunday (September 19).

During an intensive four-hour fitting operation in Westfield Woden carpark, police re-secured the registration plates of 640 vehicles with the special one-way screws designed to reduce the prevalence of plate theft.

The theft of registration plates is often the precursor to crimes such as petrol drive-offs, burglaries and traffic offences.

Project Safe Plate was supported by Safety House, Neighbourhood Watch, Directions ACT, and Goodyear Tyres, who provided free tyre safety checks. Road safety messaging, through the exhibit of the vehicle involved in a 2008 fatal crash in Russell, was also presented.

Members of ACT Policing’s current recruit class were involved in Project Safe Plate, as were members of Traffic Operations, SRS Water Operations, and Crash Investigations. Constable Kenny Koala was also in attendance, while the Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) again provided outstanding support services.

While having their plates secured by Project Safe Plate, members of the public also kindly donated more than $500 to the legacy fund to support the family of NSW Police Constable Bill Crews, recently killed in the line of duty.

The Officer in Charge of Woden Station, Sergeant Bob Wynn, said the day’s effort was outstanding, and one which hopefully will be measured in a reduced number of plate thefts in the future.

“We’re very pleased that so many members of the public support this program. Every number plate theft we can prevent has the potential to further reduce crime in the community,“ Sgt Wynn said.