Police yesterday appealed for witnesses after a spate of thefts of numberplates at the weekend.

Senior-Constable Col Webster said about 40 cars had been targeted - most from around the Strathdale, Flora Hill and Quarry Hill areas.

Police believe the thefts were motivated in an effort to conceal drive-off petrol thefts.

‘‘Given the rising cost of fuel . . . it’s certainly one of the things we are looking at,’’ said Sen-Constable Webster.

He said plates had been stolen from cars in the street and in driveways. Police are continuing their investigations and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Throughout the year Operation Safe Plate has been conducted by police in Bendigo, encouraging motorists to use anti-theft screws to secure their numberplates.

The screws only turn one way, preventing their removal by thieves.

Once attached they can only be removed with a specially designed tool that cannot be bought in shops. Bendigo’s Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Senior-Constable Rod Brown said experienced thieves could remove numberplates with traditional fastenings in less than a minute, and could then place them on their cars before driving into service stations.

Anybody with information about numberplate thefts is urged to phone Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Sen-Constable Webster on 5448 1300.