Looks legit! Driver busted for shonky cardboard number plates
A Hyundai Veloster driver was pulled over by Bankstown Highway Patrol officers on July 4, 2025 for having hand-made cardboard number plates on their vehicle, according to the NSW Police Force's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook account.
Not only was the 32-year-old driver using illegitimate plates, she had recently had her driver's licence suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, which had led to her real number plates being confiscated for three months.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
'But I had to drive to go see my friend,' she allegedly told officers when explaining why she made the fake plates, which quite frankly weren't fooling anyone.
The enterprising driver was issued a court attendance notice for:
Driving with a suspended licence
Operating a vehicle during a number plate confiscation period
Tampering with a number plate confiscation notice
Using a class A vehicle displaying a misleading number plate
In New South Wales, drivers with misleading, incorrectly fixed or unauthorised number plates can cop three demerit points and fines of between $562 and $844.
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The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
Predators try to hide their 'horrific' crimes. These detectives work to uncover them
PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story
The Advertiser
14-08-2025
- The Advertiser
Looks legit! Driver busted for shonky cardboard number plates
These "number plates" sure don't pass the sniff test. A Hyundai Veloster driver was pulled over by Bankstown Highway Patrol officers on July 4, 2025 for having hand-made cardboard number plates on their vehicle, according to the NSW Police Force's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook account. Not only was the 32-year-old driver using illegitimate plates, she had recently had her driver's licence suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, which had led to her real number plates being confiscated for three months. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But I had to drive to go see my friend," she allegedly told officers when explaining why she made the fake plates, which quite frankly weren't fooling anyone. The enterprising driver was issued a court attendance notice for: In New South Wales, drivers with misleading, incorrectly fixed or unauthorised number plates can cop three demerit points and fines of between $562 and $844. Content originally sourced from: These "number plates" sure don't pass the sniff test. A Hyundai Veloster driver was pulled over by Bankstown Highway Patrol officers on July 4, 2025 for having hand-made cardboard number plates on their vehicle, according to the NSW Police Force's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook account. Not only was the 32-year-old driver using illegitimate plates, she had recently had her driver's licence suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, which had led to her real number plates being confiscated for three months. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But I had to drive to go see my friend," she allegedly told officers when explaining why she made the fake plates, which quite frankly weren't fooling anyone. The enterprising driver was issued a court attendance notice for: In New South Wales, drivers with misleading, incorrectly fixed or unauthorised number plates can cop three demerit points and fines of between $562 and $844. Content originally sourced from: These "number plates" sure don't pass the sniff test. A Hyundai Veloster driver was pulled over by Bankstown Highway Patrol officers on July 4, 2025 for having hand-made cardboard number plates on their vehicle, according to the NSW Police Force's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook account. Not only was the 32-year-old driver using illegitimate plates, she had recently had her driver's licence suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, which had led to her real number plates being confiscated for three months. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But I had to drive to go see my friend," she allegedly told officers when explaining why she made the fake plates, which quite frankly weren't fooling anyone. The enterprising driver was issued a court attendance notice for: In New South Wales, drivers with misleading, incorrectly fixed or unauthorised number plates can cop three demerit points and fines of between $562 and $844. Content originally sourced from: These "number plates" sure don't pass the sniff test. A Hyundai Veloster driver was pulled over by Bankstown Highway Patrol officers on July 4, 2025 for having hand-made cardboard number plates on their vehicle, according to the NSW Police Force's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook account. Not only was the 32-year-old driver using illegitimate plates, she had recently had her driver's licence suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, which had led to her real number plates being confiscated for three months. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But I had to drive to go see my friend," she allegedly told officers when explaining why she made the fake plates, which quite frankly weren't fooling anyone. The enterprising driver was issued a court attendance notice for: In New South Wales, drivers with misleading, incorrectly fixed or unauthorised number plates can cop three demerit points and fines of between $562 and $844. Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
14-08-2025
- 7NEWS
Looks legit! Driver busted for shonky cardboard number plates
These 'number plates' sure don't pass the sniff test. A Hyundai Veloster driver was pulled over by Bankstown Highway Patrol officers on July 4, 2025 for having hand-made cardboard number plates on their vehicle, according to the NSW Police Force's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook account. Not only was the 32-year-old driver using illegitimate plates, she had recently had her driver's licence suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, which had led to her real number plates being confiscated for three months. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'But I had to drive to go see my friend,' she allegedly told officers when explaining why she made the fake plates, which quite frankly weren't fooling anyone. The enterprising driver was issued a court attendance notice for: Driving with a suspended licence Operating a vehicle during a number plate confiscation period Tampering with a number plate confiscation notice Using a class A vehicle displaying a misleading number plate In New South Wales, drivers with misleading, incorrectly fixed or unauthorised number plates can cop three demerit points and fines of between $562 and $844.
