LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- License plate-swapping pranksters are wreaking havoc in Lakewood.
Earlier this month, Lakewood police were alerted to a rash of curious crimes involving license plates not being stolen but instead swapped between two vehicles in the Nicholson-Emerson-Harlon area of the city.
“We’ve had over a dozen cars that the license plate had been taken off of and switched with other cars in the area,” Lakewood Police Chief Kevin Fischer said. “It seems to be an elaborate prank. We have no information that these cars were used for any crimes other than the plates have been switched randomly.
“The theft of license plates happens fairly regularly. The fact that these have been taken and put on other random cars is very unusual. In my 25 years, I’ve never seen anything this elaborate or this number of cars being affected.”
The police chief said the results left residents -- driving with improper identification or registration -- with a big headache leading to potential legal issues.
While he’s alerted his officers to the recent crimes in hopes of showing victims some leniency, the concern is bigger.
“A vehicle that doesn’t have proper registration, by law, is not allowed on the street,” he said. “So if, say, a Strongsville officer, not knowing this is occurring in Lakewood, runs a plate that doesn’t match a vehicle, the operator would have a hard time explaining why.
“The consequences for an individual driving a car with fictitious plates could be getting their car towed at no fault of their own.”
That’s why Lakewood police through notices to area homes are encouraging residents to check license plates of their vehicles left parked on the streets.
“It’s a taken-granted kind of thing but make sure the plate that is on your car is actually yours,” said Fischer, who admitted he’s been doing the same thing before getting into his personal vehicle.
Correct license plate numbers are displayed on a vehicle registration card, which can be verified online.
The switching of license plates is considered a felony theft offense.
Lakewood police are reminding residents as a preventative measure that license plate locking screws/fasteners -- available for purchase at local hardware and auto parts stores -- can be affixed to plates.
Residents who discover their plate has been switched are asked to call the Lakewood police department non-emergency line 216-521-6773.
Read more news from the Sun Post Herald here.