DRIVERS across Basildon and Thurrock who use stolen number plates to dodge motoring costs have been warned they face jail and hefty fines.

Det Chief Insp Liam Osborne gave the warning as it was revealed there has been a sharp rise in the number of licence plates stolen from cars in both areas.

Police believe the registrations are being used by crooks to avoid paying car insurance and road tax.

The false plates mean they can avoid being picked up by automated number plate recognition cameras which will only show up the details of the victim the registrations have been stolen from.

It is thought the stolen plates may also be used by crooks filling up and driving off without paying at petrol stations as well as motorists trying to dodge paying the London congestion charge.

Det Chief Insp Osborne warned: "If drivers are caught using stolen plates they will be charged with handling stolen goods, which is a serious criminal offence that will lead to a fine or imprisonment.

"If drivers are also using these plates to commit other offences or avoid paying car insurance, road tax or congestion charges they are running the risk of severe penalties.

"These criminals should be aware that we will seek to prosecute on all occasions."

People can also pick up a free leaflet on how to protect their vehicles, called "Steer clear of car crime", from their local police station.