THE FRONT and rear number plates have been stolen from a vehicle parked in Frenchmans Road, Petersfield.

The offence took place sometime between 7.30am and 7.10pm on January 7.

PC Kieren Mansell said: “This type of crime enables those responsible to commit other offences using the stolen number plates in order to evade detection.

“Therefore it is imperative that any number plate theft is reported to the police immediately.”

Hampshire Constabulary offered some general tips to people living in and around Petersfield.

PC Mansell said: “For crime prevention advice regarding keeping your homes and property secure, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

“Please check your belongings to see if you can identify any unique etched code.

“If so, please sign up to Immobilise – a national property register – at www.immobilise.com.

“This is free to sign up to.”

Hampshire Constabulary stressed that people could still help it track down the number plate thief.

PC Mansell added: “It is not too late to report any suspicious activity to the police.

“If you have any information that could assist with the investigation, call the police on 101 quoting crime reference number 44200008068.

“In an emergency, call 999.”