THE public is being asked to be vigilant following several number plate thefts in Newton and Earlestown.

There have been 30 such thefts across the borough in the past two months, predominantly in the Haresfinch, Haydock, Newton, Earlestown and St Helens town centre area.

And there has been a steady rise in the number of thefts of number plates across the borough. People who have their number plates stolen should report it to the police as any vehicles bearing the stolen plates for a crime and caught on security cameras would be blamed.

Ch Insp Shaun Holland said: "I'm really keen to identify individuals who are stealing these number plates. I know that some are being used in crime, however, the majority are not and I'd like to know what they are being used for."

Do not dismiss a theft as trivial vandalism. Report it immediately to the police.

If you get a speeding or parking ticket and know it couldn't have been you, don't ignore it - contact the authority that issued the ticket and explain the situation. Be sure to quote any reference number the police may have given when you reported the number plate theft.

Have proof of ownership of the vehicle readily accessible to show to the police.

If you find an abandoned number plate, don't move or touch it - report it immediately.

Anyone with any information regarding these offences should contact Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111