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Last updated: 20 March 2026
Number plate theft isn’t just a nuisance. For van drivers and small fleets it can lead to penalty charge notices (PCNs), speeding/parking enforcement problems, and time-consuming admin — especially if your registration is used on another vehicle (“plate cloning”).
Older articles linked plate theft mainly to the London Congestion Charge. The modern reality is broader: plates can be used to dodge road-user charges (including ULEZ/Congestion Charge), frustrate ANPR checks, or disguise a stolen vehicle.
Is number plate theft rising?
Recent DVLA notification figures shared via Churchill Motor Insurance (based on DVLA FOI data) suggest reports have increased materially:
- 5,683 notifications of stolen number plates in 2024 (up from 3,376 in 2021)
- 10,461 notifications of cloned number plates in 2024 (up from 7,430 in 2021) (directlinegroup.co.uk)
Consumer reporting points the same way: the RAC’s January 2026 survey found 11% of drivers said they’d had a number plate stolen in the past 12 months (self-reported experience, not police-recorded crime). (rac.co.uk)
Why vans can be attractive targets
Plates are quick to remove, easy to reuse, and useful for:
- Avoiding detection when committing offences (parking/speeding/charging schemes)
- Disguising a stolen vehicle
- Cloning a similar make/colour vehicle to generate “plausible” ANPR images
TfL explicitly recognises cloning as a reason motorists can receive PCNs for offences they didn’t commit and tells people how to challenge PCNs if they believe their plate has been copied. (london.gov.uk)
Prevention: what actually helps
1) Fit tamper-resistant number plate screws
Police crime-prevention guidance recommends securing plates with tamper-resistant screws because stolen plates are commonly used to change a vehicle’s identity or avoid penalties. (police.uk)
2) Keep the van harder to approach
Where practical:
- Park in well-lit, overlooked locations
- Use secure yards/compounds
- Angle the van to make plate access awkward (for example, close to a wall)
3) Reduce plate “value” to criminals
If your van is regularly in high-risk areas, consider:
- Security screw caps or anti-theft fixings
- Number plate security marking kits (helpful for identification, though not a guarantee)
Buying replacement plates: rules are tighter than many drivers think
If your plate is lost, damaged or stolen, you can only get a replacement from a registered number plate supplier. The supplier must see original documents to prove your name/address and that you’re allowed to use the registration number. (gov.uk)
DVLA also sets out what records suppliers must keep (including what documents may be accepted). (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
What to do if your plate is stolen
- Report it to the police and get a crime reference number.
- Inform the DVLA if needed (especially if you start receiving notices for offences you didn’t commit).
- Tell your insurer if your policy asks you to report theft-related incidents, or if you begin receiving PCNs that indicate cloning.
- Keep evidence: photos of your van (front and rear), distinguishing marks, and where it was parked.
What to do if you think your plate has been cloned
If you receive a PCN and believe your plate was cloned, TfL advises making a representation and providing evidence of differences between the vehicle in the PCN image and your own vehicle (photos help). For Congestion Charge PCNs, TfL provides an online “make a representation” route for challenges. (tfl.gov.uk)
Practical tip: keep a dated set of photos of your van showing distinguishing features (stickers, dents, roof racks, company markings, wheel trims). It makes disputes easier.
Key facts and sources
- DVLA notifications (via Churchill/FOI summary): 5,683 stolen plate notifications in 2024 and 10,461 cloned plate notifications in 2024. (directlinegroup.co.uk)
- Police advice: use tamper-resistant screws to secure plates. (police.uk)
- GOV.UK: replacement plates must be made by registered suppliers who check original ID and entitlement documents. (gov.uk)
- TfL/London Assembly guidance: how to challenge PCNs if your plate has been cloned. (london.gov.uk)
Sources
- Churchill / Direct Line Group — DVLA FOI-based figures on stolen and cloned plates (2021–2024): View source
- Police.uk — Vehicle crime prevention (tamper-resistant screws): View source
- GOV.UK — Getting number plates made up (registered suppliers + required documents): View source
- DVLA guidance PDF — Records and documentation for registered number plate suppliers (INF1952): View source
- London Assembly (Mayor’s Q&A) — Congestion charge avoidance / cloned plates guidance: View source
- TfL — Make a representation (challenging a Congestion Charge PCN): View source
- RAC — Vehicle crime survey (self-reported plate theft prevalence): View source
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
