If you’ve ever walked back to your car and felt that little worry in your stomach, you’re not alone. Number plate theft is frustrating, messy, and can cause real hassle with fines or cloning. The good news is you can make your plate a much harder target in under an hour.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through anti theft screws for licence plate security in plain, practical terms—what to buy, how to fit them, and what mistakes to avoid so you actually get the protection you’re paying for.
Why anti theft screws for licence plate security is worth it
Most plate theft isn’t “Mission Impossible”. It’s quick, quiet, and opportunistic—usually just someone with a basic screwdriver and 30 seconds. Standard screws make it easy, which is exactly why thieves like them.
Upgrading to anti theft screws for licence plate protection adds time, noise, and hassle for anyone trying to remove your plate. In the real world, that’s often enough for them to give up and move on.
What are anti theft screws for licence plate fasteners
Anti theft screws for licence plate setups are tamper-resistant fixings designed to stop removal with common tools. They use special heads, one-direction drive designs, or keyed drivers so your plate can’t be quickly unscrewed by a passer-by.
Think of it like locking your door: it won’t stop every determined criminal, but it removes the easy win.
Common types of plate fixings and what to choose
Not all “secure screws” are equal. Some are great for daily cars, some are better for fleets, and some look tough but don’t hold up to US weather. Here are the most common options you’ll see.
one way screw: simple, cheap, and surprisingly effective
A one way screw tightens normally, but it won’t undo with a standard screwdriver because the head “cams out” when turned the wrong way. That makes it a popular budget choice for anti theft screws for licence plate security.
The trade-off is simple: they’re not meant to be removed easily by you either. If you later need to replace a plate, you may end up using grips or drilling.
security bolt: the best all-round option for most drivers
A security bolt usually needs a matching keyed bit (like a pin Torx, hex pin, or unique pattern). For most people, this is the sweet spot: strong security, still serviceable when you need to swap plates or frames.
If you want anti theft screws for licence plate security that feels “proper” without creating future headaches, a good security bolt kit is often the sensible pick.
When “anchors” matter: anchors for cement block and other solid mounts
Most licence plates mount into plastic bumpers or plate plinths, so you’ll typically use plastic inserts, well nuts, or standard automotive retainers. But there are cases where people mount plates to harder surfaces—trailers, site equipment, gates, or fixed brackets on masonry near parking bays.
That’s where anchors for cement block come in. They’re not a normal car requirement, but they’re useful when a plate (or plate sign) is fixed into masonry and you still want tamper resistance.
How to choose the right kit (without overthinking it)
Choosing anti theft screws for licence plate fixings is mostly about matching the screw to your mounting surface and how often you’ll need to remove the plate.
Start with these practical checks:
Your mounting base: plastic bumper, metal bracket, or a plate holder frame.
Corrosion resistance: stainless steel is a safe bet for UK rain and road salt.
Head type: go for a security bolt style if you want security plus future access.
Length and thread: too long can crack plastic; too short can pull out over time.
Spare tool: keep the driver bit somewhere safe at home (not in the glovebox).
If you’re buying from a specialist like Loss Prevention Fasteners & Tools, you’ll usually find kits that include matching bits and sensible sizing, which saves a lot of trial and error.
How to fit anti theft screws for licence plate fasteners properly
A lot of security failures happen at install. The screw might be “anti-theft”, but if the plate is loose, the mount is cracked, or the insert spins, you’ve still got a problem.
Tools and parts you’ll want ready
For a clean install, gather:
Your anti theft screws for licence plate kit
A matching driver/bit (especially for a security bolt kit)
Plastic inserts/well nuts (if your bumper needs them)
A screwdriver or driver handle (avoid over-torquing with power tools)
Mild cleaner and a cloth
If your kit came from Loss Prevention Fasteners & Tools, keep the spare bit somewhere secure so you’re not stuck later.
Step-by-step fitting (featured-snippet friendly)
Remove the existing screws and take the plate off gently.
Check the mounting holes for cracks or worn plastic; replace inserts if they’re loose.
Clean the area so the plate sits flat and doesn’t wobble.
Align the plate and start each screw by hand to avoid cross-threading.
Tighten evenly until snug—firm is good, but don’t crush the plate.
Test for movement by holding the plate corners; it shouldn’t rattle or flex.
That’s it. A tidy fit is part of the security because thieves love anything already half-loose.
Extra ways to stop plate theft (that actually help)
Anti theft screws for licence plate protection is a strong start, but you can make the job even harder with a few smart upgrades.
Use a solid plate frame or backing plate: this reduces flexing and prying.
Avoid “easy access” tool storage: don’t keep your security bit in the car.
Park with intention: close to walls or in well-lit areas where possible.
Common mistakes I see (and how to avoid them)
The most common issue is fitting a great security bolt into a worn-out plastic insert that just spins. In that case, a thief doesn’t need to undo the screw—they can rip the whole thing out.
Another mistake is choosing a one way screw and then realising you need to swap the plate later (after a new registration or a cracked plate). If you expect any changes, anti theft screws for licence plate kits that use a removable security bolt design are usually kinder to future-you.
Conclusion
If you want a simple upgrade that genuinely reduces risk, anti theft screws for licence plate security is one of the best value moves you can make. Pick a fixing that matches your mounting surface, install it neatly, and don’t forget the “little” details like solid inserts and proper tightening.
A thief wants easy, fast, and quiet. Your goal is to make your plate the exact opposite.
FAQs
Q1: Do anti theft screws for licence plate kits really stop theft?
They don’t guarantee it, but they make removal much harder and slower, which often stops opportunistic theft.
Q2: Can I remove anti theft screws for licence plate fasteners later?
Yes with most security bolt kits (using the matching bit), but a one way screw is much harder to remove.
Q3: What’s the best anti theft screws for licence plate option for fleets?
A consistent security bolt system with controlled spare bits is usually easiest for maintenance and audits.
Q4: Do I ever need anti theft screws for licence plate with anchors for cement block?
Only for unusual mounts like trailers, fixed brackets, or masonry-adjacent installs—most cars won’t need them.
