A car dealership is offering free anti-tamper screws to combat an increase in number plate thefts.

Dagenham Motors in Plaistow has teamed up with the police to offer the service on February 6 to protect a car’s identity and help prevent petrol station drive-offs and speeding ticket evasion.

Stolen number plates are also used by criminals to provide a false identity for vehicles used in fuel thefts, road tax and insurance avoidance, and burglaries.

Chf Sup Gary Buttercase said: “Theft of number plates is not only illegal; it causes huge inconvenience for the owner of the vehicle.

“We are extremely grateful for the support that Dagenham Motors are providing in our efforts to combat this problem.

“The tamper-proof screws will make it much harder for number plates to be stolen.”

Howard Clifforth, general manager at Dagenham Motors, said: “Swapping out standard screws for the anti-tamper variety is a very quick, yet effective way to deter number plate thieves and we’re very pleased to be able to provide this free service to local motorists.”

To get anti-tamper screws for your number plates, visit Dagenham Motors on Plaistow Road from 9am to 5pm on February 6 or call 020 8534 7661.