Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen on the number plates designed to make a vehicle invisible to the cameras.
Ghost plates are deliberately altered so they cannot be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras. Criminals use reflective films, sprays or illegal lettering to make their vehicles effectively invisible to one of policing’s most valuable crime-fighting tools.
Alongside cloned plates, where offenders copy the identity of an innocent motorist’s vehicle, ghost plates allow criminals to evade detection while leaving victims to deal with fines, penalties and the stress of proving their innocence.
Illegal plates are linked to organised crime, drug trafficking, vehicle crime, people smuggling and rogue trading. Every unreadable plate weakens ANPR, which police rely on daily to identify offenders, locate stolen vehicles and protect communities.
The registration plate system has failed to keep pace with technology. With thousands of registered suppliers and limited oversight, stronger safeguards are needed. Closing these loopholes will protect motorists and make it harder for criminals to evade the law.
Report it
As joint national lead for Road Safety, I have urged Commissioners across England and Wales to support stronger legislation, including tougher penalties, criminal record checks for suppliers and stronger DVLA enforcement powers.
If you suspect a vehicle is displaying an illegal or cloned plate, report it to Durham Constabulary on 101 or via the online reporting service. Anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner
