San Leandro Police Report License Plate Thefts

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Police are asking for the public's help in identifying thieves who have stolen license plates from several parked vehicles this month.

Since Jan. 21, the department has received 25 reports of license plate thefts from cars, primarily in the city's Broadmoor neighborhood.

The thefts occurred when it was dark out and were reported on Bancroft Avenue, Begier Avenue, Glen Drive, East Merle Court, Haas Avenue, Helen Avenue and Victoria Court, police said.

"We don't know why anyone would steal this many license plates," police spokesman Lt. Robert McManus said in a statement. "There could be many reasons, including selling them as novelty items, using them as art, or
possibly, attaching them to cars used in crimes."

Police are encouraging anyone who has their license plate stolen to report the theft. Stolen license plates are entered into a nationwide database that officers in patrol cars equipped with automated license plate readers can use to identify stolen plates or cars.

Anyone with information about the thefts, including people who may have surveillance footage of the crimes, is encouraged to call the Police Department's criminal investigation division at (510) 577-3230.

Tips can also be provided anonymously by calling (510) 577-3278 or sending a text message to 888777 with "TipSLPolice" in the message.

— Bay City News; Image via San Leandro Police