Drivers forced to pay for crimes committed by other people amid surge in car cloning

Motorists across the UK have been warned to stay alert as car cloning fraud soars by 41 per cent in a year, leaving thousands of innocent drivers facing fines and police action for offences they did not commit. The fast-growing scam sees criminals copy a vehicle's registration details and use them on another car, often the same make and model.The fake vehicle is then used for various driving offences, including speeding, dodging tolls, avoiding parking charges or even more serious crimes, all while the real owner is left to deal with the fallout. Victims often only discover they have been targeted when a penalty notice lands on their doorstep, experts have warned. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, said: "Usually, victims of number plate cloning don't know their number plate has been duplicated until they receive a ticket or fine for an offence that they didn't commit, by which point you must go through the lengthy process of reporting the crime." The scam works by criminals obtaining a vehicle's registration number or vehicle identification number and attaching those details to another car. This creates two seemingly identical vehicles on the road – one genuine, the other a clone. Offenders deliberately choose cars with clean records to avoid raising suspicion. By copying vehicles with no history of speeding or parking fines, they can operate under the radar for longer. London has become a major hotspot for cloning, thanks to the sheer number of vehicles on the capital's roads and rising car values. However, the problem is spreading nationwide.Former special forces soldier Billy Billingham, who is working with BigWantsYourCar.com to raise awareness of vehicle crime, said many drivers have no idea how exposed they are. "Car cloning is on the rise, and it's never been easier for criminals to do it," he warned. "Cars are becoming more sophisticated, but so are the people trying to steal them. Many drivers don't realise how exposed they are, especially when selling cars privately or sharing information online." Criminals frequently target cars listed for sale on online marketplaces and social media. Clear photos showing registration plates, combined with location details, can give fraudsters everything they need. Mr Billingham added: "People don't realise how much information they give away when listing a car online. Criminals only need small details to exploit you."LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:Motorists warned of soaring car repair costs amid growing fears of 'critical skills shortages'Millions of drivers to benefit from 10,000 new electric car chargers in 'significant step forward'Popular seafront parking could soar 256% just one year after freezing prices in blow to thousandsPolice have also raised concerns about the use of relay technology, where thieves use electronic devices to amplify the signal from keyless car fobs inside homes. This allows them to unlock and start vehicles in seconds without needing the physical key. The growing crisis has now reached Parliament. During a recent debate, Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton highlighted serious flaws in the current system, particularly around Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. He said: "When Automatic Recognition Number Plate cameras fail or are undermined by cloning or ghosting, that is not a minor inconvenience but a failure of public protection." The Surrey Heath MP called for tighter controls on number plate registration, stronger checks on suppliers and improved digital tracking systems to prevent fraudulent duplication.Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that road safety remains a priority and said the Government is considering tougher oversight of number plate suppliers as part of its upcoming road safety strategy. In the meantime, experts are urging motorists to take simple steps to protect themselves.Drivers are advised to avoid posting clear images of their number plates online and to remove or blur registration details in sales adverts. Parking in well-lit areas or secure car parks can reduce the risk of plates being copied or stolen. Anti-theft screws and protective plate covers can also make removal harder. For vehicles with keyless entry, storing fobs away from doors and windows – or using signal-blocking pouches – can help prevent relay theft. Mr Billingham stressed: "Awareness is the first line of defence. The more people understand how these scams work, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter