Drivers have been helped to protect their number plates with a special event put on by police.

The Watford Safer Neighbourhood Team held the Pl4te S4fe event at Screwfix on Friday where officers fitted tamperproof screws to number plates to help keep vehicles safe.

Stolen number plates are used to help criminals evade speed camera fines or to steal petrol (also known as bilking) and can be hugely inconvenient for drivers.

Screwfix staff were also on hand to demonstrate a range of van security equipment like safes and padlocks which have helped drivers feel secure.

People also had the opportunity to sign up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) which sends messages to users about crimes and incidents in their area as well as offering safety advice.

PCSO Dominik Tokarczyk said: “Once again the event proved highly successful with several motorists taking advantage of this free service. Fitting tamperproof screws is a simple but effective way to help deter would-be thieves.

“I would like to thank Screwfix for co-hosting the event and for demonstrating a range of products to help drivers keep their vehicles more secure.”