You cannot make yourself completely immune to cloning, but you can significantly reduce your risk. Here is what actually works.
Step 1: Register your plate with Protect A Plate
The most effective way to catch cloning early is to monitor your registration before anything happens. Protect A Plate adds your registration to an encrypted verification network. When a supplier receives a request to make plates with your registration, you get an instant alert — giving you time to act before any crime is committed. This is the only proactive solution that warns you before fines arrive, not after.
Step 2: Use anti-theft security screws
Replace standard plate screws with tamper-proof security screws. These require a special tool to remove and are a strong visual deterrent. Most cost under £10 and take minutes to fit.
Step 3: Do not post photos of your vehicle online
Criminals actively scan social media, marketplace listings, and forum posts for vehicles to clone. They look for clear photos showing the full registration, vehicle make, model, and colour, and location information. If you must post photos, blur or crop out your registration number.
Step 4: Remove old marketplace listings
If you have sold a car, ask the new owner to remove any adverts that show the registration. Delete old listings on AutoTrader, eBay, or Gumtree. Old adverts remain searchable and are a goldmine for cloners.
Step 5: Park securely
Where possible, park in a locked garage or private driveway, well-lit areas with CCTV coverage, or secure car parks. Avoid leaving your vehicle on unlit public streets overnight, especially if it is a popular make and model.
Step 6: Check for existing images of your vehicle
Search your registration on Google, Facebook, and marketplace sites. If you find images from previous owners or old adverts, request their removal.
Step 7: Consider a number plate protector
Physical plate protectors (clear covers) can make plates harder to remove quickly. Ensure any cover is legal — it must not obscure the plate or affect reflectivity under BS AU 145e standards.
The bottom line
No single method is 100% guaranteed. The best approach is combining physical security (anti-theft screws) with digital monitoring (Protect A Plate alerts) and online hygiene (removing photos). If the worst happens anyway, our guide on what to do if someone is using your number plate walks you through the recovery steps, and our FAQ answers the most common cloning questions.