Fake licence plates made of paper lead police to accused

Greg Stolz
September 17, 2015
The Courier-Mail
A vehicle found with the fake numberplates.
HIS fake rego plates might as well have read ARRESTME.
A bumbling alleged crook has managed to draw maximum police attention by putting the bogus plates — made from paper — on his vehicle.
Police simply followed the “paper trail” to nab the Gold Coast man for a range of offences, including making false plates and a hydroponic drug lab that officers allegedly found when they raided his house.
He was one of 10 people arrested in a three-­day blitz that followed an investigation into people attaching fake plates to vehicles.
“The investigations have incorporated both covert and high visibility activities utilising the ANPR (advanced numberplate recognition) technologies,’’ Rapid Action and Patrols squad Inspector Shane Holmes said.
“Service stations in particular have been under surveillance, as this unlawful activity has been closely linked to not paying for petrol.’’
Insp Holmes said his officers received a tip-off that the 40-­year-­old Parkwood man had been using fake plates and raided his house, along with an address at Robina.
At Parkwood, police allegedly found paper numberplates attached to a stolen car, along with a hydroponic marijuana setup.
“The paper-­based numberplates were very poor in quality and extremely easy for police to detect,’’ Insp Holmes said.
“This stupidity has attracted attention, and now this person has found himself before the court on more serious criminal charges.’’
The man, along with nine other people, were charged with 36 offences including producing and displaying false registration plates and drug offences.
They are due to face court in coming weeks.