In a recent incident that underscores the importance of vigilance on our roads, the Nojack Vehicle Tracking team, in collaboration with law enforcement, intercepted a driver using fraudulent license plates in a blatant attempt to deceive authorities.
The Automated Alert and Pursuit
The incident began when Nojack response vehicle NJ-3, driven by Frikkie, received an alert from its automated license plate recognition system. The system flagged the number plate due to a previous police enquiry, indicating a potential issue with the vehicle’s registration. Frikkie immediately began following the suspect vehicle while calling in the situation. Anton, in NJ-1, coordinated with Frikkie to execute a forced stop, ensuring that the suspect vehicle could not evade accountability. Once the vehicle was stopped, the team moved in to assess the situation.
The Discovery
Upon closer inspection, Frikkie removed the license disc from the vehicle’s windshield, only to discover that it was a printed copy rather than an official document. A quick database check by Anton further revealed that the VIN number on the disc was registered to a green vehicle of the same make and model—while the car in question was white. This immediately raised red flags.
When confronted, the suspect admitted that his vehicle’s license disc was six years overdue. He went on to confess that he had duplicated the plates from a friend’s similar vehicle, further revealing that another black vehicle in the area was using the same fraudulent plates. This indicated a coordinated attempt at deception, not an isolated mistake.
The Cover-Up
Attempting to downplay the severity of the situation, the suspect offered to remove the false plates himself. However, upon closer inspection, Anton discovered that the legitimate number plates had been deliberately covered by the fraudulent ones—clear evidence of intent to defraud authorities.
Recognizing the gravity of the offense, the Nojack team immediately escalated the matter and contacted law enforcement for further intervention. Sergeant Jaco Powell from the Flying Squad was dispatched to the scene to handle the suspect.
The Cover-Up
As is often the case, the suspect’s demeanor shifted once he realized he had been caught. “Like always, after we catch them, their attitudes change,” said Koen from the Nojack team. “When you put a false plate on your car, you steal from the licensing authority and commit fraud.”
Sergeant Powell provided the suspect with an opportunity to drop off his worker and tools before proceeding to the police station for processing. The incident serves as yet another example of the critical role Nojack plays in maintaining road safety and ensuring that those who attempt to bypass the law are held accountable.
Nojack: Committed to Crime Prevention
This case highlights the necessity of vigilance and swift action in combating vehicle-related fraud. At Nojack, we remain steadfast in our mission to support law enforcement and protect the public from those who seek to operate outside the law. Our roads are safer when every vehicle is properly registered, and fraudulent activity is swiftly addressed.