MOTORISTS are asked to be on their guard after two cars had their number plates stolen within hours of each other on the same High Wycombe street last week.

Police are appealing for witnesses after plates were removed from a Ford Focus and a Vauxhall Astra, both parked on Roebuck Avenue.

The theft took place between 5.30 and 7pm on Saturday, December 10.

Number plate theft is on the rise, with culprits using the stolen plates to escape from petrol stations and evade speed camera fines.

Neighbourhood police teams have recently held anti-number plate theft events to prevent the crime, with the most recent in Princes Risborough in November.

Motorists are being encouraged to protect themselves against number plate theft by fitting free anti-theft screws which are virtually impossible to remove once fitted.

If you have any information or saw anyone tampering with the cars, contact PC Hayley McEvoy at High Wycombe police station via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.