NUMBERPLATE thefts are on the rise across Oxfordshire, latest statistics reveal.

Cherwell saw the biggest increase in the crime with 39 numberplates stolen between January and August last year and 79 taken in the same period this year.

Throughout the county, criminals stole 223 numberplates last year, but that figure has grown to 249 in 2011 as crooks take plates from cars owned by law abiding motorists, fitting them to their own vehicles to commit crimes.

Police have launched a string of measures to target thieves and told drivers to treat their numberplates’ the same way they would protect their passports, wallets and bank details.

Officers said thieves use the stolen registration plates for bilking – making off without paying at petrol stations, jumping red lights, speeding, and to avoid paying the congestion charge in the capital.

The knock-on effect for victims is that they face a visit from police or fines through the letterbox for crimes they have not committed.

Insp Neville Clayton, deputy area commander for Cherwell, said: “There has been a marked increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles and one of the biggest problems is theft of registration plates. We want to make people aware of the problem and how to protect themselves.

“People should deal with their registration plates in the same way they do their own personal documentation, such as credit cards, passport and bank accounts.

“It is like identity theft. It causes a lot of inconvenience and takes a lot of time to put right.”

People can help prevent this type of theft by keeping cars in garages or fitting tamperproof numberplates which cost about £50 and shatter if they are removed.

Motorists can also drop into police stations in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington to get a free pack of tamperproof screws to fit to their numberplates or get them from police community support officers.

Police have 2,000 screws to give away plus 2,000 donated by Screwfix. The screw moves only one way and once fitted cannot be removed.