Losing a number plate feels oddly personal. It’s not just a bit of plastic and metal—someone has messed with your car, and that can leave you feeling annoyed and exposed.
That’s exactly why anti theft screws for licence plate are such a popular upgrade: they make the “quick grab” much harder.
In plain terms, they slow thieves down, draw attention, and often make them give up and move on.

Why anti theft screws for licence plate are harder to remove

Tamper-resistance is mostly about one thing: stopping easy tools from doing the job. A thief wants speed, silence, and a clean exit.
The right screw setup takes those advantages away by forcing special tools, awkward angles, and extra time.
And when something takes longer, it becomes riskier.

Here’s the featured-snippet-friendly version:

• Normal screws come out with common drivers (Phillips, flathead, standard Torx).

• anti theft screws for licence plate use uncommon heads and tougher builds, so removal needs a specific bit and more effort.

• Extra features (like spinning collars) make gripping and twisting even harder.

The tamper-resistant “secret” is the screw head

Most theft attempts start at the head, because that’s what’s exposed. If the head can’t be driven like a normal screw, the thief’s plan falls apart.
This is where security bolts and plate security screws really earn their keep.
They’re designed to look simple, but behave stubbornly under attack.

Head designs commonly used in anti theft screws for licence plate

A few designs show up again and again because they work:

• Pin-drive heads (like pin Torx): a standard-looking star, but with a centre pin that blocks normal bits.

• One-way heads: tighten normally, but slip when you try to undo them.

• Shear-head styles: the driving part snaps off at a set torque, leaving a smooth dome that’s very hard to grip.

The point isn’t “impossible to remove”. It’s “not worth the trouble” when someone is trying to steal fast.

Materials matter more than most people think

If a screw head is soft, it can be chewed up, drilled, or snapped with basic force. Better fasteners resist that kind of rough treatment.
Quality anti theft screws for licence plate are usually made from hardened steel or stainless steel, so they don’t deform easily.
That toughness buys time—and time is exactly what thieves don’t want to waste.

Corrosion resistance helps keep the screw “secure” long-term

This part is easy to miss: rust can make removal messy for you, and sometimes even weaken the fastener over years.
Stainless options (or properly coated steel) stay cleaner and stronger in wet UK weather and salty winter roads.
That means the screw stays dependable, and the head stays intact when you need to work on it.

Thread design and fit: the quiet heroes

Even with a clever head, a poorly fitting screw can loosen over time. The best setups use threads that bite firmly into the mounting point.
For many vehicles, that means a good match with the plastic/metal backing behind the plate, plus a washer that spreads pressure.
A snug, stable fit reduces rattles and stops “wiggle room” that can help someone pry the plate.

When security bolts make sense instead of screws

Some kits use security bolts with matching nuts or special retainers, especially on brackets or frames.
They can be very secure when there’s solid access behind the mounting point.
On vehicles with limited rear access, tamper-resistant screws are often simpler and cleaner.

Where Concrete Screws fit (and where they don’t)

You might see Concrete Screws mentioned in security hardware because they grip strongly in masonry.
They’re brilliant for fixing items to brick or concrete—think gates, signs, or external boxes—because the threads cut into hard material.
But for a typical number plate mount, Concrete Screws are usually the wrong tool.

If your plate is mounted to a normal vehicle panel or plastic bracket, a purpose-made plate security fastener is safer and neater.
Using the wrong screw type can crack plastic, distort the plate, or strip out the mounting hole.
So yes, Concrete Screws are tough—but number plates usually need the right kind of tough.

Installation details that add real security

Even the best fastener can be let down by rushed fitting. A couple of small choices can make a big difference.
Professionals often focus on making removal awkward, not just “tight”.

Helpful habits:

• Use the correct hole size so the screw bites properly without stressing the plate.

• Add a washer (or a proper plate cup washer) to reduce plate cracking and flex.

• Tighten firmly, but don’t over-torque—over-tightening can damage plastic mounts.

• Keep the matching bit somewhere safe, not loose in the glovebox.

If you’re buying a kit, make sure it includes the driver bit. Without it, you’ll be stuck later.

Choosing a set you’ll feel good about using

You want security that still feels practical. The best anti theft screws for licence plate don’t look flashy; they look factory-fit, just smarter.
A trusted supplier will clearly state the head type, material, and what tool you need for removal.
If you’re comparing options, a specialist brand like Loss Prevention Fasteners & Tools is worth looking at for purpose-built security designs without gimmicks.

Conclusion

Tamper-resistant plate fasteners work because they target real-world theft behaviour: fast, careless, and tool-limited.
With anti theft screws for licence plate, the head design blocks common drivers, the materials resist damage, and the overall fit makes prying and twisting awkward.
It won’t make your car “untouchable”, but it can absolutely make your plate a harder, riskier target—and that’s often enough.

FAQs

Q: Do anti theft screws for licence plate really stop theft? 

A: anti theft screws for licence plate don’t guarantee prevention, but they add time and hassle, which often makes thieves move on.

Q: Can I remove anti theft screws for licence plate myself later? 

A: Yes—anti theft screws for licence plate are removable if you keep the matching security bit.

Q: Are anti theft screws for licence plate legal in the US? 

A: Generally yes—anti theft screws for licence plate are fine as long as your plate stays correctly fitted and readable.