Experts are calling on drivers to make changes to their number plates to crack down on criminals stealing them from vehicles.
New data shows that there were 7,381 incidents of stolen plates recorded in the UK last year, according to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
This is a dramatic 30 per cent increase over the last 12 months, with it being more than double the total seen in 2021, when 3,376 plates were stolen.
Research also found a staggering rise in the number of number plates that had been cloned, prompting experts to call on drivers to use tamper-resistant screws.
Criminals have started targeting number plates to cover their own plates, allowing them to avoid parking, speeding and Clean Air Zone fines.
When these fines build up, they are sent to the original plate holder, often leading to local authorities losing out on crucial revenue.
This is especially prevalent with plate cloning, as victims will not know it has taken place until they start receiving fines.
Cases have become more common, including instances where drivers are fined for breaking rules in a city they have never travelled to.
Experts have called for drivers to use tamper-resistant screws to minimise the risk of having their plates stolen
| PAThis includes Ruth Costello, from West Sussex, who received 19 fines from Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, despite never driving her car there.
She described it as a "head-banging frustration", adding that she was considering buying new plates for her own vehicle to avoid the same thing from happening again.
Kevin Mead, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: "It's concerning to see that reports of stolen and cloned number plates are increasing so rapidly.
"It's a worrying trend that continues to cause significant stress and disruption for innocent drivers who are left dealing with months of inconvenience as they try to challenge penalties and clear their name."
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Instances of number plates being stolen or cloned have spiked in recent years
| GETTYHe suggested that drivers use tamper-resistant screws for number plates to reduce the possibility of being targeted by criminals.
Drivers can buy tamper-resistant screws from most trade stores, with many of them being recommended by tradespeople.
Mr Mead also urged drivers to report that their plate has been stolen or suspected to be cloned, noting that "swift action is essential".
"Drivers should report it immediately to the police, inform the DVLA and alert their insurer to help limit further impact," the expert said.
Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, has called for drivers to face harsher punishments for 'ghost' plates | PAResearch cited by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety claimed that as many as one in 15 vehicles may carry plates designed to evade detection by ANPR cameras.
Other experts and motoring groups, including the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association, have called for tougher regulation of the industry.
Potential reforms include slashing the number of registered dealers of number plates, as well as requiring stricter regulations before a plate can be sold.
A report from the APPG found that many suppliers of number plates were still operating despite not being registered with the DVLA.