Bulgaria Sees Double Increase in Thefts of Vignette Stickers
Bulgaria has seen a double increase in the thefts of vignette stickers after their prices went up in the beginning of the year.
The annual stickers which cost BGN 97 are the primary target of thieves, Darik radio informs.
Most often thieves steal the stickers by breaking the windscreen of the vehicle. Numerous cases of broken windscreens have been reported across the country.
According to owners of car repair shops, the thefts of vignettes have been common in the past month. Unofficial information shows that there have been ten such thefts in the city of Plovdiv alone.
Stolen vignette stickers are most often detected during police inspections.
Policemen having suspicion of a fake vignette, can request to be presented with the second part of the sticker and the receipt.
Out of fear of getting their sticker stolen, many drivers have started to put a smartphone screen protector above the sticker.
In order for a stolen vignette to be reimbursed, drivers have to prove that the entire windscreen had been broken or stolen.
If only part of the windscreen is missing, drivers have to purchase a new sticker.