Northamptonshire Police warn drivers over cloned number plates as new online reporting service launches
Drivers across Northamptonshire who receive unexpected speeding tickets or parking fines are being urged by police to check whether their vehicle registration plates have been cloned.
Northamptonshire Police has highlighted a new national online reporting service designed to make it easier for motorists to report suspected number plate cloning.
The service, launched on October 7, allows victims to submit a single report, with information passed directly to police for assessment.
Number plate cloning involves criminals copying a legitimate vehicle registration and displaying it on another vehicle, often to avoid detection while committing offences or evading speeding fines, parking penalties and congestion charges.
Warning signs include receiving penalty notices, speeding tickets or correspondence relating to places motorists have never visited.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said the new system, developed in partnership with the DVLA, aims to improve how reports are handled and help officers identify vehicles potentially being used for criminal activity.
Motorists who suspect their registration has been cloned should use the online service and retain supporting evidence, including photographs, penalty notices and correspondence.
However, reporting a suspected cloned registration does not automatically cancel fines or penalties.
Drivers must still challenge these directly with the organisation responsible for issuing them.
Police have also reminded anyone submitting a report that knowingly providing false information could constitute a criminal offence and result in police action.