Latest figures show over 40,000 car owners a year are falling victims to the growing menace, up 25 per cent in 12 months.
Stolen number plates are used by criminals to avoid identification while committing serious crimes.
And they're also useful in escaping speeding and parking fines, tolls and congestion charges.
Law abiding owners can find themselves facing court action for something they didn't do and have the difficulty of proving their number plates have been stolen.
Special task forces are now being set up to counter the threat. Even Halfords has teamed up with police in Croydon, South London.
The retail giant is helping advise on car crime prevention and to counter the threat of number plate theft by selling a new range of secure plates.
The Association of Chief Police Officers is campaigning for all cars to have such tamper proof plates fitted as standard and urges motorists to make it harder for criminals to target vehicles.
"This is a growing problem," said an ACPO spokesman. "We welcome any move that encourages the public to fit secure number plates.
"A legitimate number plate is essential if a vehicle is to be properly identified."
The secure plates sold by Halfords break into small pieces if an attempt is made to remove them.
They have been approved by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The plates cost £24.99 including free fitting worth £9.99 by specially trained staff.
