If you’ve ever walked back to your car and felt that little jolt of worry, you’re not alone. Number plate theft is one of those problems that feels oddly personal, because it’s your identity on the vehicle. The good news is that a small upgrade—anti theft screws for licence plate—can make a big difference without costing much or looking messy.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what actually works in 2025, what to avoid, and how to fit everything neatly. No scare tactics, just practical advice you can use today.
Why anti theft screws for licence plate are worth it in 2025
A stolen plate can lead to fines, parking tickets, fuel theft, and a stressful round of calls and forms. Even when it’s “just” vandalism, replacing plates is time and money you didn’t plan to spend.
Anti theft screws for licence plate don’t make your car impossible to target, but they do make it slower, louder, and more annoying to steal a plate. Most thieves are looking for quick wins, so friction is your friend.
Quick buying checklist for anti theft screws for licence plate
If you want the simple, featured-snippet style answer, this is it:
Choose tamper resistant screws with a security head (like pin Torx), not standard Phillips.
Pick stainless steel or well-coated screws to resist rust and staining on the plate.
Make sure the length matches your mount (too long can crack the plate or distort the bumper).
Look for a kit that includes the matching driver bit (so you’re not stuck later).
Consider screw caps or finishing washers for a cleaner look and extra protection.
That’s the core of it. Everything else is just matching the screw style to your car and how it’s mounted.
Best types of anti theft screws for licence plate in 2025
Pin Torx: the best all-round anti theft screws for licence plate
Pin Torx (sometimes called “security Torx”) is the option I recommend most often. It looks tidy, it’s widely used, and it’s tough to remove without the correct bit.
It also balances security and real-world practicality. You can still remove the plate yourself when you need to, but a random person with a basic screwdriver usually can’t.
One-way screws: cheap, but not always the smartest choice
One-way screws go in easily, but they’re designed to be hard to reverse out with a normal driver. They can be tempting because they’re simple and low-cost.
The downside is that some can still be gripped and turned with pliers if someone is determined. They also make your own plate changes more awkward, which matters when you’re replacing a cracked plate or swapping holders.
Hex-pin and other tamper resistant screws: strong, but check tool access
Hex-pin, spanner, tri-wing, and similar security heads can be very effective tamper resistant screws. The key is making sure the head isn’t so bulky that it catches or looks odd on your plate frame.
If you go this route, buy a kit with the correct bit included. Otherwise, you’ll end up with “secure” screws that you can’t remove without another shopping trip.
Security caps and sleeves: small add-on, real value
Caps and rotating sleeves don’t replace the screw head security, but they do add another layer. They also help keep things looking clean, especially on newer cars where a rusty screw stands out fast.
If you care about appearance, caps are one of the easiest wins.
My top picks for 2025 (simple, realistic choices)
These aren’t “magic” products—just the combinations that tend to work best on real cars, in real weather.
1) Stainless pin Torx kit (most drivers)
If you want a solid, no-fuss upgrade, this is it. Stainless helps reduce rust streaks on white plates and keeps the heads looking decent after wet winters.
Look for kits that include finishing washers, because they spread pressure and reduce the risk of cracking.
2) Black-coated security screws (clean look on dark frames)
If your plate surround is black and you want it to blend in, black-coated security screws can look sharper than bright metal.
Just make sure the coating is good quality, because cheap coatings can chip and look scruffy quickly.
3) Breakaway-style bolts (high security, less convenient)
Breakaway bolts are designed so the head snaps off at a certain torque, leaving a smooth finish that’s hard to grip.
They’re strong security, but they can be overkill for everyday cars, and they make later removal more complicated.
4) Security rivets (great on some plastic bumpers)
On certain mounts, security rivets can be a practical option because they don’t “unscrew” in the normal way. They’re not for every setup, but when they fit the job, they’re very effective.
If you’re unsure, stick to anti theft screws for licence plate first—rivets are a step up in commitment.
5) A matched kit from Loss Prevention Fasteners & Tools
If you want a reliable, tidy package (fasteners + bit + caps), sourcing from a specialist like Loss Prevention Fasteners & Tools can take the guesswork out of it.
The big advantage is compatibility: the screw head, the driver bit, and the finish are designed to work together.
How to fit anti theft screws for licence plate neatly
Tools you’ll want nearby
The correct security bit (ideally from the kit)
A hand screwdriver (better feel than a drill)
Finishing washers or caps (if included)
A tiny drop of medium threadlocker (optional, but helpful)
Using a drill can be fine, but it’s also how plates get cracked. Slow and steady looks better and lasts longer.
Step-by-step fitting (clean and safe)
Remove the old screws and keep the plate supported so it doesn’t bend.
Check the holes in the plate and the mount. If they’re rough, add a washer to spread pressure.
Line up the plate so it sits flat (no tension or twist).
Insert the anti theft screws for licence plate by hand first, just a few turns.
Tighten until snug—do not over-tighten. Plates can crack when stressed.
Fit caps if you have them, and give the plate a gentle wiggle check.
If your plate sits on a holder, make sure the holder is secure too. A thief who can pull the whole frame off doesn’t care how fancy the screws are.
Special situations people forget about
Fixing to brick or concrete: where masonary screws make sense
Most number plates attach to a car, not a wall. But if you’re mounting a plate sign in a garage, workshop, or display area, masonary screws can be the right tool for brick or block.
Use the correct wall plug and pilot hole size, and don’t force it. A clean install is stronger and looks far better.
Stripped bumper holes: don’t “fight” the plastic
If the bumper holes are worn out, the screw may spin and never tighten properly. In that case, a slightly wider fastener, a plastic insert, or a proper fixing kit is safer than forcing bigger screws and cracking the mount.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using cheap mild steel screws that rust and stain the plate.
Over-tightening until the plate bows or cracks.
Choosing security heads but forgetting to keep the matching bit somewhere safe.
Fitting “secure” screws into a loose plate holder that can be popped off.
Conclusion
In 2025, the best upgrade is still the simplest one: fitting anti theft screws for licence plate that slow thieves down and keep your plate looking tidy. For most drivers, a stainless pin Torx security kit hits the sweet spot—strong, clean, and easy for you to manage later.
If you want higher security, step up to stronger tamper resistant screws or breakaway options. Just balance it with real life: you should still be able to remove your own plate when you need to.
FAQs
Q1: Do _anti theft screws for licence plate_ really stop theft?
They reduce it by making removal slower and harder, which often pushes thieves to easier targets.
Q2: What’s the best type of _anti theft screws for licence plate_ for daily driving?
Pin Torx security screws are the best all-round choice for most cars.
Q3: Can I fit _anti theft screws for licence plate_ without a drill?
Yes—hand fitting is often better because it lowers the risk of cracking the plate.
Q4: Should I use threadlocker with _anti theft screws for licence plate_?
A tiny amount of medium threadlocker can help stop vibration loosening, but don’t overdo it
