Cars were lining up outside Bunnings in Whakatāne yesterday as people waited their turn to get anti-theft screws fitted to their number plates.

Whakatāne Community Patrol members, including chair Mark Law, were a well-oiled machine removing stock screws and replacing them with ones that are more difficult to tamper with.

A total of 124 cars had their screws replaced across three hours, which was up on last year’s numbers by about 20.

Mr Law said the screws were an easy preventative measure that could stop thieves from stealing number plates for use in other crimes.

Neighbourhood Support Whakatāne area co-ordinator Jane Fox chatted with most drivers as they waited in the queue, offering them resources and signing them up to the organisation if they wanted to join.

She said cars started showing up from 8.55am, all wanting to get in early when the screws started coming off at 9am.

“It’s awesome to see the response. Everyone I talk to wants to do their part to stop crime and thefts.”

She acknowledged the hard work of Community Patrol members who shared their goal of making the community a safer place to live in.

Whakatāne police officers Rob Jones and Adam Keno were present and engaging with anyone who wanted a chat, also offering water bottles, while Blue Light manned the barbecue.

Whakatāne Blue Light co-ordinator Christian Ihe said they made a point of attending events that aligned with their kaupapa, particularly when it came to youth and community.

Their “gourmet barbecue services” yesterday were a way to return the support they so often receive from Bunnings Warehouse Whakatāne.