New tool improves reporting for victims of cloned numberplates

The process for victims to report suspected numberplate cloning, is now more seamless with enhanced data sharing thanks to a new online reporting service delivered through policing in partnership with the DVLA.

The new clone plate reporting service, which is now available on police force websites*via the Single Online Home, allows victims of suspected number plate cloning to report online direct to their local force, where the vehicle is registered. The new system not only provides a bespoke form to guide individuals through the process and information on what they need to do next, but it will also automatically share the report with the DVLA so this data can be logged against records they hold on the vehicle.

Previously victims could report online or on the phone to police through a generic form and would need to separately report this by phone or in writing to the DVLA.

The new service allows members of the public to upload detailed information and provides them with a reference number to acknowledge the report has been made.  It will also allow members of the public to provide follow up information if they continue to receive further fines or tickets.

Reports can be made on behalf of the registered vehicle keeper, where the owner is vulnerable or not able to access the online service, provided they have the registered keeper’s permission to do so.

The new service can also be used by businesses, fleet operators, leasing companies, and organisations that believe one of their vehicle registration marks has been cloned where a suitable point of contact for the organisations is provided.   

A cloned number plate is a fake copy of a real vehicle's registration plate. Criminals put these copied plates onto another car—often the same make, model, and colour—to hide the car’s true identity and avoid getting caught breaking the law.

Illegal numberplates enable a wide range of criminal behaviour, from charge evasion to facilitation of burglary and theft, through serious and organised crime. Studies undertaken by policing estimate the minimum cost of crime to society facilitated by cloned plates alone, to be a minimum of £30m per year.

This initiative forms part of wider partnership working between policing, DVLA and wider government on tackling the problem of illegal number plates outlined in the government’s Road Safety Strategy, which included a commitment to review the current standard for numberplates; empower the DVLA to carry out more robust checks on numberplate suppliers and a government consultation on tougher penalties for driving a vehicle with illegal plates, including penalty points and ultimately vehicle seizure.

Chief Constable Tim Forber is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). He said:

“We know that having your numberplate cloned can be a distressing experience and we want to make the process for reporting this as straightforward and supportive as possible.

“Ensuring we collect the right information from the victim in the first instance supports policing in making enquiries, identifying and investigating offending vehicles and those responsible for the cloning.

“As well as providing an improved experience for victims, the national tool will help us to better collate data to understand the scale of the problem with cloned plates, working alongside our partners at DVLA and across Government to tackle the issues associated with illegal numberplates.”

Tim Moss CBE, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

“Number plate cloning can leave innocent motorists facing the consequences of offences they haven’t committed. By working together with policing through this new service, we can act on reports more effectively and help protect motorists when their registration number is being used fraudulently.”

Roads Minister, Justin Madders said:

“I've heard directly from victims of cloned plates and know how hard it is to report these crimes, with people often having to repeat their story to different authorities, so it's brilliant to see police and the DVLA working hand in hand to support victims through this new digital tool.

“Our Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade, is looking at further steps to crack down on illegal plates that help criminals evade detection, including a new co-ordination centre bringing police forces together to share intelligence and stamp out the scourge of cloned numberplates.”

If you suspect your vehicle’s numberplate has been cloned, here’s what you need to do:

• Visit your local police force website, where the vehicle is registered, click the ‘Report’ tab and follow the prompts until you reach the cloned plate reporting tool. You can report your own vehicle or on behalf of someone else, for example a family member or an organisation.
• Once your report has been made, you will receive a receipt code and the information submitted will be shared with both the police and the DVLA.
• It is important to note that you will then need to respond directly to the organisation which has issued the fine, penalty notice, parking charge or other enforcement notice. Neither police forces or the DVLA can legally act on behalf of the victim to contest any fines or charges that have been issued.
• The police force you have reported to may contact you to ask further questions as they investigate your report.

What happens when members of the public submit a report on the system?

Once a report has been submitted, the member of the public will receive a receipt code. The information provided will be shared with both the police and the DVLA.

The police's priority is to prevent crime and keep the roads safe. Where appropriate, they may provide updates to the person making the report and will make contact if any additional information is required to support enquiries.

The vehicle registration mark (VRM) may be flagged on police systems as a suspected cloned plate. This helps police identify future incidents involving that registration and prevents enforcement action being wrongly directed at the innocent keeper. The DVLA will also log the report on records they hold about the vehicle.