MOTORISTS are being urged to take advantage of a free initiative to prevent car crime.

Police are working with Dagenham Motors in Bookham to alert drivers to an increase in number plate thefts, and provide "anti-tamper" number plate screws.

The screws will be fitted free of charge at the dealership on Guildford Road from 9am to 5pm on February 3 in a bid to prevent crimes such as petrol station drive-offs and speeding ticket evasion.

PC Julie O'Riordan said: "Unfortunately, in these difficult economic times, crime such as these become more widespread. We are grateful for schemes such as this in helping the local community take measures to help combat the problem.

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