A stolen Toyota LandCruiser valued at around $200K is among 25 vehicles recovered during a Victoria Police crackdown on cloned and stolen number plates, with the operation also resulting in 79 arrests across Melbourne’s southeast.

The LandCruiser was one of the highest-value vehicles seized by the Frankston Crime Investigation Unit’s Targeted Enforcement Crew (TEC), which was established at the end of March to target offenders using cloned registration plates to disguise stolen vehicles and avoid detection.

While cloned number plates are often associated with avoiding fines or toll charges, police say they are also used to conceal stolen vehicles involved in more serious offending. Investigators say cloned plates are commonly fitted to stolen vehicles that match the make, model and colour of the legitimate car, helping them avoid attention. The plates are also regularly swapped between vehicles being used by organised criminal groups.

The operation has uncovered 25 vehicles believed to have been stolen from across Melbourne, with a combined estimated value of around $1 million. The vehicles have since been returned to their rightful owners.

Alongside the LandCruiser, police recovered an Audi A5, a Nissan Patrol and two Toyota HiLux utes, each valued at around $70,000. The remaining vehicles were valued between $10,000 and $50,000. Officers also seized almost 32 pairs of cloned registration plates from properties in Baxter, Carrum Downs, Dandenong, Frankston, Frankston North, Langwarrin and Lynbrook.

Frankston Investigation and Response Inspector Melissa Nixon said vehicle owners can take simple steps to reduce the risk of having their number plates cloned.

“Having your number plates cloned is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be costly to have them replaced. However, there are a few simple measures owners can take to lessen their chances of falling victim,” Nixon said.

“We strongly advise anyone who is trying to sell a car or posting images of their car online to blur the number plate, to avoid falling victim to anyone scanning social media for registration plates to clone.

“You can also install anti-theft screws which make it very hard for thieves to steal your plates quickly and without damaging them. These are free at police stations or available for a small price at hardware stores.”

Since the operation began in March, police have arrested 79 people as they continue targeting vehicle theft and the use of fraudulent number plates across Melbourne’s southeast.

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