UNDERWORLD gangs are stealing the registration plates of innocent motorists in order to get away with crimes.

Crooks steal scores of plates, most of which are put on stolen cars, and used for a raft of criminal activities.

Nicked plates are used to drive away from petrol stations without paying, dodge speed cameras, and even escape bus lanes fines.

But the Evening Times understands they are mainly stolen with the intention to use as part of a crime, including robberies, ram raiding, attacks and car cloning.

Our investigation revealed almost 200 vehicle registration plates have been stolen in Glasgow over the past two years.

However, it is believed there are many more plates being stolen but they do not get reported.

One police source said: "Most drivers won't see the significance of their plates being stolen, they may even think the plate has fallen off, and not report it to police.

"But, as a result of not reporting the theft, owners are leaving themselves open to being held responsible for criminal activity and hit with fines.

"Stolen plates are also put on cars, which are used as getaway vehicles in more serious crimes."

In Glasgow, there were 181 plates reported as stolen in the period from April 2013 to February 2015.

The AA has urged its members to report any instances of vehicle registration theft.

A statement from the motoring organisation, read: "If the number plates are stolen from your car you should report it straight away.

"You might start receiving parking fines, speeding fines or worse, as number plates are used to disguise the identity of cars used in a wide range of crimes.

"Number plate theft is a big problem - rates have more than doubled in the last five years .

"Thefts from cars are significantly under-reported."

It comes amid a police crackdown on car crime.

More than 100 suspected crooks have been arrested across Glasgow as part of Operation Quarterlight, which was launched last month.

The suspected thieves are accused of dozens of crimes, including stealing high-value cars to order and vehicle break-ins.