Lakewood Police Warn Residents of License Plate Swapping Incidents
The Lakewood Police Department is investigating a series of incidents involving license plate swaps that occurred over the weekend in the Nicholson-Emerson-Harlon area. Police are urging residents to double-check that their vehicles have the correct license plates before driving.
To assist with this, the department has sent notices to every residence within the affected area. Residents can verify their vehicle’s license plate number by checking their Vehicle Registration Card or visiting the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at bmv.ohio.gov.
If a license plate swap is discovered, residents are asked to contact the Lakewood Police Department’s non-emergency line at 216-521-6773.
Switching license plates is considered a felony theft offense, and those responsible will be prosecuted, according to the police. In addition, officers are recommending that residents use locking screws or fasteners for their license plates, which are available at hardware or auto parts stores, to help prevent this crime.
