(NECN: Katelyn Tivnan) - License plates play a crucial role in helping law enforcement solve crimes.
And one bill currently in the legislature is hoping symbols like circles, hearts and diamonds will make it easier for people to recognize, remember and report plate numbers.
Jay Gardiner is Director of the Molly Bish Center at Anna Maria College.
“This program will allow us to make sure no other family has to endure the heart break and tragedy that the Bish family has endured,” said Gardiner.
In June of 2000, 16-year-old Molly Bish was abducted from her lifeguard job in Warren.
Her remains were found three years later.
After seeing reports of Molly’s abduction, Massachusetts entrepreneur Gary Richard created the EZ-ID program.
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“In analyzing the dynamics of an abduction, I realized it's the private vehicle that is the key to an abduction,” said Richard.
It's something that weighs heavily on the mind of Molly's mother, Magi, and it is why the Bish family has lent their daughters name in support of the bill, saying:
"We all have the responsibility to protect the children and citizens in our Commonwealth."
The proposed license plates will replace the six character general issue plates with a series of symbols, numbers and letters.
Adding the symbols is something police say will help people remember at a glance.
“The beauty of this is that it allows us to rapidly reduce the number of target vehicles we are looking for,” said Chief Mark Leahy.
He is chief of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and said when an abduction occurs time is of the essence and details like a license plate number can mean the difference in saving a child’s life.
Leahy said the measure is a no-brainer and hopes to see it passed as quickly as possible.
“Now it's time for the transportation committee to get on board, get this out to assist law enforcement and let’s try and prevent the next Molly Bish from happening.”
