Police cannot find a reason for the number plate thefts

In the last two weeks, there have been 12 such incidents reported to officers in Blackburn alone.

There is no pattern linked to the thefts and officers said it was a mystery as to why had been taken.

A police spokeswoman said stolen vehicle plates usually went on to be used in crimes but this had not been the case so far.

Insp Claire Holbrook said: "Not only does this cause a big problem to car owners, but it is a mystery as to why the number plates have been stolen in the first place.

"In the past, number plates have been stolen in order to be used in other crimes such as drive-offs at petrol stations, but this does not seem to be the case on this occasion.