The Hornby Community Patrol is set to ask businesses to fit number plates with anti-theft screws to their fleet vehicles.
It aims to stop people stealing licence plates, fitting them to other vehicles, and carrying out crimes to avoid being identified.
Car sales yards in Hornby will also be asked to take part. The anti-theft screws cost $5 to install.
But car dealers and other businesses contacted by Western News were not enthusiastic about the idea. Avon City Ford chief executive John Luxton said it has never had issues with number plate thefts.
Blackwells Christchurch City - Sockburn sales manager Sean Walsh and Ray McLean Motors owner, Ray McLean, weren’t interested initiative either.
Mr Walsh said it can’t use the anti-theft screws due to its dealer arrangement. Mr McLean said he wouldn’t spend money on the initiative.
“In the 18 years I have been here, I have never had a number plate stolen,” he said.
Campbell Motors owner Grant Campbell said he would consider the initiative but did not believe it would stop number plate thefts. He said this was because thieves would rip the number plates off without removing the bolts.
Patrol chairman Ken Chamberlain was unfazed by the response and will continue with the plan.
