License Plate Thefts in Chișinău

Recently, Chișinău has experienced a surge in the theft of license plates from vehicles registered in Ukraine. Thieves often hide the stolen plates within a one-kilometer radius of the theft location, placing them under bushes, behind window sills, or beneath apartment stairways.

Car owners find themselves in a challenging situation, as driving without license plates is strictly prohibited in Moldova. In many cases, thefts are accompanied by ransom demands. Criminals leave messages requesting a monetary transfer to a bank account in exchange for revealing the location of the plates. Police investigations rarely yield quick results, and the plates are often discovered later by chance in hidden spots.

For those who lose their plates, a solution exists through the service avtonomera.net.ua, which allows vehicle owners to order duplicate plates. These are quickly delivered by bus from Odesa, offering a convenient alternative for resolving the issue.

The Ukrainian community in Chișinău has also taken the initiative by creating a Telegram channel, t.me/poisk_nomerov, to help locate stolen plates. This channel has become a vital resource for mutual support and assistance in these situations.

Vehicle owners have turned to various methods to protect their plates from theft. Some remove their plates at night if parked on the street, while others use specialized rivets to secure the plates directly to the bumper. Simpler measures, such as attaching plates with screws, have proven ineffective against thieves.

These incidents highlight the need for stronger collaboration between the community and law enforcement to combat this growing problem. Finding innovative ways to safeguard personal property remains a priority in addressing this issue.