Brooklyn, NY — A disturbing rise in license plate thefts has been reported across Brooklyn, sparking concerns among local drivers. In recent weeks, residents have reported numerous incidents of their plates disappearing overnight, with the thefts often occurring in areas with higher vehicle traffic such as Park Slope, Williamsburg, and Bushwick.
Police say the trend has been fueled by the increased use of stolen plates in various forms of illegal activity, such as toll evasion, car thefts, and even fraudulent insurance claims. The black market demand for plates has grown, with criminals using stolen tags to disguise vehicles involved in crimes or to avoid detection while engaging in unlawful activity. According to law enforcement, there has been a sharp uptick in the number of license plate thefts this year compared to the same period last year.
“The thefts are happening mostly during the night when most vehicles are parked in the streets or outside residential buildings. In some cases, drivers have reported their plates gone by the time they wake up for work,” said NYPD spokesperson Detective Maria Perez. “We urge the public to be extra cautious, especially if parking on the street.”
In response, local authorities are ramping up patrols in affected areas and advising drivers to invest in anti-theft devices such as license plate screws or shields. Additionally, residents are being urged to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately, and to take extra precautions when leaving their vehicles unattended.
Brooklyn residents have expressed frustration and fear as they find themselves paying for replacement plates and dealing with the inconvenience of the thefts. “It’s a hassle and it’s scary,” said Benita Ruiz, a Brooklyn Heights resident. “I didn’t think something like this could happen in my neighborhood.”
For now, drivers are advised to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to secure their vehicles, as police continue their investigation into the troubling rise in license plate thefts across the borough.
