Police are warning motorists to be careful after a recent spate of stolen number plates in Bedfont.
Officers from the safer neighbourhood team (SNT) have reported an increase in vehicle registration plates being removed from motorbikes, mopeds, cars and vans.
These are then often used on vehicles involved in a crime, police said.
On average one has been stolen every week, with seven thefts of number plates reported in the ward over a six-week period, between April 1 and June 11.
Criminals sometimes steal both number plates, but other times just the front or the rear.
Police are keen to raise awareness of the issue and are advising vehicle owners to help prevent theft by using tamper proof screws and parking in well lit areas.
Sergeant Beth Todd at Bedfont SNT said: "The increase in theft of number plates is worrying, I would encourage anyone who has had a number plate stolen to report it to the police.
"Please report anything suspicious, park in well lit areas and look in to buying tamper proof screws'."
