Criminal activity

As I rose this morning, I went out to bathe in the sunshine.
I noticed that two cars in our off street car park had no number plates.
Obviously someone has come in the middle of the night and stolen them.
When I looked at my plates I notice ordinary screws holding them in place. I think I will get some antitheft one way screws today.
The thieves might return tonight.
Is this a "thing" in your area?