Crime & Safety
Nearly 60 Arrests, 1,000+ Summonses In Suffolk ‘Ghost Plate’ Crackdown: Sheriff
A multi-agency enforcement effort led to arrests, vehicle impounds, and cleared warrants across Suffolk County, the sheriff's office says.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office issued more than 1,000 summonses and made nearly 60 arrests over six months as part of a multi-agency crackdown on illegal and deceptive license plates, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said.
Since joining the Ghost Plate Task Force in August 2025, the Sheriff’s Office issued 1,044 summonses, made 57 arrests, impounded 20 vehicles and cleared four outstanding warrants, according to Toulon.
“Illegal ‘ghost’ plates and other deceptive practices pose a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated in Suffolk County,” Toulon said. “These tools are often used to conceal a driver’s identity, evade detection, and facilitate dangerous criminal activity. The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to crack down on fraudulent plates, illegal plate covers, illegal window tints, and related violations — sending a clear message that criminals cannot hide from us.”
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The Ghost Plate Task Force focuses on identifying vehicles with fraudulent license plates, altered or fake temporary tags, illegal plate covers, and excessive window tint. Authorities said vehicles involved in these violations are often unregistered, uninsured or stolen.
Among the arrests made during the enforcement period were charges including criminal contempt, aggravated unlicensed operation, criminal possession of a forged instrument, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a weapon, driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired by drugs, according to the sheriff.
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The task force includes more than a dozen law enforcement partners, including the NYPD, MTA Police, Nassau County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, and the New York City Sheriff’s Office, officials said.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will continue participating in the Ghost Plate Task Force to enhance roadway safety and hold violators accountable, Toulon said.
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