A car dealership in Colindale is offering motorists free anti-tamper number plate screw fittings to help reduce theft and fraud.

Following a similar drive in Potters Bar last week, Dagenham Motors has decided to follow suit with its Edgware Road branch in Colindale.

Staff will fit the free anti-tamper screws on Saturday, February 4, from 9am.

The dealership has teamed up with the police for the initiative, which is intended to prevent crimes such as people driving away from petrol stations without paying and non-payment of speeding fines.

Police Constable Manjit Aulak said: “Unfortunately, in these difficult economic times, crime such as this becomes more widespread.

"We are grateful for schemes such as this in helping the community take measures to help combat the problem.

"Using the tamper-proof screws will make it much harder for number plates to be stolen.”

Dagenham Motors's Geoff Reid said: “Swapping 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.”