My license plate was stolen - anyone know a good anti-theft plate screw?

[wetherburner]

I got out of work today and found that my rear license plate was stolen, which is a real pisser because now I have to pay to get new front/rear plates from the Ministry of Transportation (in Ontario) for a fee, as well as a new sticker - which I believe can be transferred to the new plates for a fee. I'll also have to get a new after market tinted plate cover which I had bought to house the plate.

I hate when some d*ckhead's thievery costs me money - but I just worry that I'm going to go through the hassle and my new plates will be stolen again.

I've heard that anti-theft plate screws exist. Does anyone know of a good set that actually works AND fits a 2007 Camry?

What's funny is I intended on putting my front plates on the rear of the car so I could at least drive it to work tomorrow and go to the Ministry of Transportation on my lunch but the front screws are too big and don't fit the rear screw sockets so I'm SOL. Anyway, I had to report the plate stolen tonight to police anyway so I guess I shouldn't be driving the car with the front plate on it now after all

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[MJZ]

Go to Autozone or similar and just look at their screws. I use a triangular version with 4 notches that can only be turned with the tool it comes up, unless you have vice-grip device, but then that turns anything.

[Netforcer]

Wow.. I've heard of ppl stealing the registration stickers, but plates are a first for me...

[Pawel062]

too bad they don't have dummy covers like i seen for lugs. would make it look like the screws aren't removable.

also a first for me.

[wetherburner]

Sadly the police department said they get on average 4 stolen plate reports A DAY - that's just in my town of approximately 125,000 people (suburb 30 minutes outside Toronto). I guess this must happen a heck of a lot more in bigger cities.

[Pawel062]

here only thing i seen is a brand new g37 sitting on brick bc someone stole all 4 rims. sucked bc u can see the guy babied the car. he has it sitting on some nice rims now that would be hellaflush if he slammed it.

i have this on my car, the guy put it in with the engine bay dress kit. love it

[RickF]

I use the screws like Kenny showed in his picture. The P/N is: 254051V. What is hard to see in that picture is that there is a 'nib' in the middle of the allen screw hole that keeps a regular allen wrench from working. You need the special wrench that comes with the set (Google for it - they're only about $4). Comes with nuts too - but you won't need them for Toyota as the screw thread matches the captive nut already in the trunk.



And... they do make screw covers to make it look like the screws are not removable.

http://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Accessories-82030-Covers-Chrome/dp/B00032KC30

http://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Accessories-82030-Covers-Chrome/dp/B00032KC30

[Netforcer]

Originally Posted by RickF

I use the screws like Kenny showed in his picture. The P/N is: 254051V. What is hard to see in that picture is that there is a 'nib' in the middle of the allen screw hole that keeps a regular allen wrench from working. You need the special wrench that comes with the set (Google for it - they're only about $4). Comes with nuts too - but you won't need them for Toyota as the screw thread matches the captive nut already in the trunk.



And... they do make screw covers to make it look like the screws are not removable.



http://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Accessories-82030-Covers-Chrome/dp/B00032KC30

Yea, I can see the little nub... nice idea

[Pawel062]

that looks perfect. nice find.

[njerald]

Big screwdriver or tire iron removal will damage the bumper cover then....

[Redline_Me]

true, if they want it, they will take it.

[wobbles25]

only fool proof method is a shock device that kills on contact... hmmm business idea!!!

[Post No Billz]

Originally Posted by Netforcer

Wow.. I've heard of ppl stealing the registration stickers, but plates are a first for me...

This is a common occurance down here in FL. A few years back, I had my plate stolen from my 94 Accord, I didn't notice until the next morning and when I called to report it stolen, Broward sheriff had an APB for my car as it was reported to be in a robbery of a 7-11. Turns out the crook had a 95 accord that looked exactly like mine. He wasn't the smartest bulb in the set as he put his plate on my car, making it real easy for the cops to get a hold of him.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but here in FL if your plates are stolen, all you need to do is go to DMV with the police report and you will not have to come out of pocket to replace the stolen property. It doesn't work the same in On?

[Redline_Me]

Same thing in CT. I had my plate stolen from my Gen5.