MOSCOW, October 4 (RIA Novosti) - License plates from over 50 cars, including a car owned by the Italian diplomatic mission, were stolen in all districts of Moscow overnight, police said Sunday.

The thefts started early at night and continued through the day. Police said the plates could have been stolen to later be used by thieves to escape from the scenes of other crimes.

A police spokesman said many Muscovites have returned to the capital after spending vacations, and criminal groups involved in thefts from cars have become more active.

"Simultaneously with an increase in the number of thefts of possessions from cars in Moscow, there has been a rise in the number of thefts of license plates used by 'purse snatchers,'" the spokesman said.

"They mount them onto their cars to mislead the victims and policemen," he said.

An investigation is underway.