The Co-op in Edenbridge was, today the setting for a police initiative to make the theft of number plates much harder for criminals (28th November 2008).

The 'Safe Plates' scheme offers motorists free fitting of anti-theft screws for their number plates.

The scheme has been running across Kent and today was the turn of Edenbridge residents to receive the free security devices.

Suzanne Daniel, the Neighbourhood Watch liason officer said, 'Number plates get stolen for use in different crimes, such as burglaries, petrol theft, and congestion charge evasion. By replacing the existing screws with the tamper proof versions it will make it much harder for those number plates to be stolen.'

The Safe Plates scheme has proved to be very popular with hundreds of vehicles being fitted with the screws right across Kent.

Motorists have also been offered general car security advice as part of the day.