Stolen and cloned plates on the rise: public urged to stay vigilant

• Stolen number plate reports have surged 68%, while cloned plate incidents are up 41%
• Rising figures highlight the growing threat of fraud and identity misuse on UK roads
• Drivers are urged to stay vigilant, fit tamper proof number plate screws and report theft and/or cloned plates immediately

New research by Churchill motor insurance shows an alarming increase in stolen and cloned number plates reported across the UK. Between 2021 and 2024 the number of number plates reported stolen rose 68% to 5,683, while the number of cloned number plates reported increased 41% to 10,461.

Table one: Number of stolen and cloned vehicle number plates reported to the DVLA

Source: Churchill motor insurance 2025  

Number plates are stolen or cloned for several reasons: to carry out criminal activity, avoid detection by police cameras, dodge parking fines or speeding tickets, disguise a stolen vehicle, or avoid paying congestion and toll charges.

While you may notice a stolen number plate quite quickly, you may only realise that your number plate has been cloned when you start receiving fines and speeding tickets or even a knock on the door from the police. Anyone who has had their plates stolen or cloned should report it to the Police, DVLA and insurer immediately. The police will issue you a crime reference number, which you will need if you need to challenge any fines or penalties linked to the theft of your number plate. Meanwhile, the DVLA will flag the incident on your vehicle record.

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: "The sharp rise in number plate cloning and theft is a worrying trend that causes significant stress for innocent drivers, who often face lengthy processes to prove their innocence and challenge fines issued in their name. Fitting tamper-proof screws to your number plates is a simple but effective theft deterrent, but if your plates are stolen or cloned, it’s crucial to act quickly by notifying the police, DVLA, and your insurer.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1.      A Freedom of Information request was submitted to the DVLA in May 2025 to obtain data on the number of cloned and stolen number plates reported over the past four years."

For further information, please contact:

Unni Henry  

PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk 

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com