To combat the increasing numbers of theft of car number plates, Tauranga South Community Patrol will be out in force in Tauranga Crossing's carpark on Saturday, April 13.

The group will be installing tamper-resistant screws to number plates for anyone who wants to lessen the chance of their number plate being stolen.

During the Tauranga South Community Patrol Safe Plates day, patrol members will be positioned in the lower car park opposite the BP Station at Tauranga Crossing, from 10am to 2pm.

Tauranga South Community Patrol leader Maureen Kathan says unprotected number plates are easy targets for thieves, especially if parked on roadsides outside the owner's property.

'They flog the number plates and put them on their car. When petrol thieves drive off without paying for the fuel, it is the stolen plate that is photographed by the service station security cameras.”

The use of the tamper-resistant screws deter thieves from stealing plates.

'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.”

Those who are planning to take up the offer are asked to make a gold coin donation.