Reg Plates Auction Rules And Securing Your Plates

A Rhode Island couple is pushing for an exception to state law that would allow them to raise money for charity by selling their prized family heirloom -- number plate No. 11.

Low-numbered number plates could once fetch high prices in the state, but now owners can only transfer them to relatives. Otherwise, a lottery is held to award it to someone else.

The Pawtucket Times reported that David and Carol Anne Hayes, both in their 70s, won't be able to pass their number plate to their children, who live out of state. Instead, they asked a state House committee last week to create an exception for charitable auctions.

David told the panel he was offered $25,000 cash for the plate 40 years ago, and imagines it would be much more valuable now.

THEFT of number plates in Echuca-Moama is rising by 20 per cent annually.

Which is why Echuca West Neighbourhood Watch and Echuca police are on a mission to stop the increase or at least slow it down.

Neighbourhood Watch will be holding its second Safe Plate Day for the year at Bunnings, Echuca on Saturday, May 6 from 9am until 2pm.

Interested people can have special theft proof number plate one-way screws fitted to their vehicles.

Echuca West Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Len Wills said fitting the screws was an easy crime prevention measure.

‘‘We can protect vehicle owners from the inconvenience and cost that stolen number plates cause,’’ Mr Wills said.

He said Victoria police, through Neighbourhood Watch, had taken these measures to reduce crime in the community.

On May 6 Neighbourhood Watch will be offering a new service — ‘‘park and shop’’.

‘‘For those who want to have safe plate screws fitted while they visit Bunnings,’’ Mr Wills said.

‘‘There will be signs to direct drivers to the park and shop area.’’

The day is sponsored by Bunnings and safe plate screws are supplied at no cost.

Mr Wills said Neighbourhood Watch would appreciate any donations on the day to go towards community activities.