To help curb the theft of vehicle number plates, the Tauranga South Community Patrol is bringing back its popular tamper-proof screw day this month.

The patrol will be installing tamper-resistant screws in the lower car park at Tauranga Crossing tomorrow, March 14, from 9am-1pm.

Chair Maureen Kathan said the initiative is a simple but effective way to deter criminals.

“It takes us about 30 seconds to a minute to do a car,” Kathan said. “We put one screw in the front and one in the back. One of our team removes the old screw and another puts the new one in. It’s very quick.”

Motorists can remain in their vehicles while patrol members fit the specialised screws, which require a special tool to remove. A gold coin donation is appreciated.

Number plate theft is an ongoing issue; stolen plates are often used in ram raids, petrol drive-offs and other criminal activity. Kathan said unprotected number plates were easy targets for thieves, especially if parked on roadsides outside the owner’s property.

“It takes a criminal about 30 seconds to get your standard number plate off,” Kathan said. “They flog your number plate, put it on their car and commit offences, and it’s your plate that gets photographed. With a tamper-proof screw, they can get one out, but the other one has a special head. They can’t remove it without the proper tool.

“The more time they spend trying to get the plates off increases the chance the police, community patrols and members of the public have of spotting the crime taking place.”

At the tamper-proof screw day, motorists can remain in their vehicles while Tauranga South Community Patrol members fit the specialised screws. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

While the day acts as a fundraiser for the volunteer patrol group, Kathan said the primary focus is community safety.

“It is a fundraiser, but it’s more about keeping crime down and helping protect people.”

The last event was held in 2024, when more than 150 vehicles were fitted with the tamper-resistant screws.

Tomorrow, patrol members will wear high-visibility clothing and signage to direct drivers to the lower carpark, which now has direct driveway access.

The Community Patrols of New Zealand affiliated group is always looking for new volunteers. Anyone wanting more information about joining the patrol can find the Tauranga South Community Patrol on Facebook or via the national Community Patrols of New Zealand Facebook page.

The tamper-proof screw event will be held at Tauranga Crossing in the lower carpark from 9am-1pm on March 14. Tauranga South Community Patrol members will occupy part of the Tauranga Crossing carpark to add a tamper-resistant screw to each number plate on cars.