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INSIDE THE NYPD UNIT CRACKING DOWN ON 'GHOST CARS' WITH ILLEGAL, FAKE LICENSE
PLATES

WABC
By Michelle Charlesworth
Updated 1 hour ago
Michelle Charlesworth has the exclusive.
MARINERS HARBOR, Staten Island (WABC) -- NYPD has one message for drivers with
fake license plates: "We're going to send a message; this is not tolerated."

Eyewitness News was along for the ride in Staten Island as police arrested
people with fake tags.

Three drivers were pulled almost immediately into the ride along.

"If it's paper plates, it's a ghost car," said Highway District 5 Lieutenant
Joseph Bell. "We don't know who it's coming back to."

Officers in Staten Island said they have made twice as many arrests this year -
a total of 45 so far - over last.

"My officers, the Highway officers, while on the highway can spot a fraudulent
plate paper plate five car away," said Lt.JBell.

Once police were sure a temporary plate was phony, reused, expired, or
repurposed - all of which is against the law - they would make an arrest.

"The red light cameras, speed cameras, not paying for the tolls they go
through," said Chief Joseph Gulotta about the violations often made while using
these tags.



Police tell us sometimes these plates are obtained through organized crime or
other times it is someone who bought it online and are very embarrassed.

"They'll fess right up, 'I bought it online,'" said one officer.

We saw those burglaries that led to cars that were in the driveway, so they pull
up with fraudulent plates and the cars were clearly stolen," said Chief Gulotta.

In 45 minutes, three fake plates were detected - and three drivers arrested.

"It's grand larceny, burglaries, catalytic converter theft, and they also go
even deeper to our shootings and our violence," added Chief Gulotta. "That's
something we take very seriously."





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