Gardaí in Co Donegal are concerned that a spike in the theft of license plates from cars may be used in future crimes.
Motorists whose license plates have gone missing in recent weeks are being urged to report the matter.
A number of such incidents have occurred of late, and gardaí have admitted they are concerned.
The latest theft occurred at a housing estate in the border village of Muff between Saturday and Sunday.
The owner of a car parked at the Springfield estate reported that both the front and back license plates were removed from their vehicle.
"We would like to hear from anybody whose plate or plates have been stolen recently," Garda Grainne Doherty said.
"We would not like them to think that it's not a serious issue because this type of crime has happened on quite a few occasions recently.
"There would be a fear that these plates are being used as part of a more serious incident. We would be concerned about why this is happening and that there may be a more sinister element to it."
A number of the thefts have taken place in villages along the Border.
It also coincides with a rise in burglaries at homes and premises on the Inishowen Peninsula.
Gardaí fear the plates are being used to disguise cars moving around the area, gathering information on the movement of people in advance of targeting premises.
Gda Doherty urged people to contact their local Garda station if their license plates have been stolen.
