10-05-2025
Suffolk resident warns others about license plate thefts
SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Thieves are finding license plates more valuable these days, and some residents in the Harbour View area of northern Suffolk found out the hard way as they awoke on a recent morning to find their tags missing.
'My car was facing out, so I did not notice it right away,' said resident Anna Guibas. 'It wasn't until I came home that I was parked facing the building and I walked around the front of the vehicle and noticed that my entire tags, my license plate was missing.'
She wasn't the only one in this apartment complex.
Guibas said the crime likely occurred overnight, and it probably took the thief just a few minutes to take the plates.
'I felt violated because this is my personal property,' Guibas said, noting she filed a police report.
Suffolk Police say if this happens to you, to take swift action.
Go to the DMV to get new plates. and update your information like your E-ZPass, so thieves don't run up a toll bill on your account. Though Guibas has done these things, she's still nervous about what could happen now that her plates may be on a vehicle that could be anywhere.
'If they're committing crimes and they are using my tags, there are consequences because it's been reported stolen,' Guibas said. 'Hopefully they'll find whoever has done this.'
She has now installed anti-theft screws for her new plates, and she's also considering getting a license plate cover and recommends others to do the same.
'I was very frustrated': Portsmouth woman has license plates stolen on two separate occasions
This kind of crime has also been happening in other Hampton Roads cities such as Portsmouth, so it's a reminder to stay vigilant.
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