Motorists Warned Against Car Cloning

Drivers are being warned to take steps to prevent their cars from being cloned amid a worrying rise in number plate cloning. Private plate experts have highlighted the growing problem of identity theft and have provided tips on keeping cars safe from criminals.

Car cloning involves duplicating someone else’s registration plate, often to dodge speeding and parking fines, tolls and charges such as ULEZ in London.

Some criminals also clone plates to sell stolen vehicles. This can lead to innocent motorists being wrongly linked to offences, as car cloning is hard to detect before receiving unexpected fines or penalty charges.

The rise in car cloning cases could be explained by the increased number of plate-reading ANPR cameras law enforcement uses to detect crimes.

The fines can reach thousands of pounds, and proving innocence can be tricky, so it’s essential to do anything possible to prevent cloning.

All drivers are susceptible to vehicle cloning, and while it cannot be prevented entirely, drivers can take measures to minimise the risk.

Experts encourage drivers to consider using anti-theft screws to protect their number plate from being physically stolen.

If possible, parking in a garage can prevent criminals from taking note of registration marks, parking in a well-lit area with CCTV so it’s harder to steal the plate.

It’s also important to be careful when posting online. Photos of vehicles with number plates in full view can make it much easier for criminals to clone.

If someone is the victim of a car crime, having a tracking device or dash cam can help provide evidence.

If a driver notices their plate has been removed or they receive surprise fines, they must report it to the police and DVLA immediately.

It’s also important to be careful when buying used cars and carry out checks to confirm the vehicle has not been cloned.

The best way to do that is to check that the car’s V5C logbook has a DVLA watermark and ensure the engine and Vehicle Identification numbers match the ones in the logbook.

Jake Smith, Director of Absolute Reg, said: “Number plate cloning is a growing problem that puts drivers at risk of being falsely accused of crimes.

“Because of the increased use of ANPR cameras on the roads, we expect the car cloning cases to rise even more, as criminals want to avoid charges, such as the recent ULEZ charges in London.

“No one is safe from cloning criminals, so it’s essential to be vigilant and take preventative measures to prevent falling victim to getting your car cloned or unknowingly buying a cloned vehicle.

“There are steps drivers can take to ensure they aren’t unwittingly helping the cloners to steal their car’s identity.

“It’s essential to be careful online. If sharing pictures of your car on social media, always blur or obscure the number plate before posting.

“It’s also worth investing in anti-theft screws for your number plate, as well as paying attention to where you park and avoiding posting photos of your car online.

“If you suspect your vehicle has been cloned, inform the police and DVLA immediately and consider getting a new registration number.

“The presumption is you’re guilty until you can prove innocence, so to ensure you have sufficient evidence, it’s also worth getting a vehicle tracking device or dash cam.”