Yes, many modern street benches are equipped with anti-theft bolts or tamper-proof screws. In fact, this has become a standard practice for municipalities, parks, and commercial properties looking to protect their outdoor furniture investment.
You see, standard screws and bolts are easy targets for vandals or thieves. Someone could simply use a common wrench or screwdriver to remove them, walk away with the bench parts—or the entire bench. That’s why manufacturers now design benches with specialized fasteners that require unique tools to install or remove.
Anti-theft bolts often feature unusual head shapes—like pentagonal, one-way, or pin-in-torx designs—that can only be turned with a matching proprietary tool. Tamper-proof screws go a step further: they’re designed to snap off at a certain torque during installation, making them virtually impossible to remove without damaging the bench itself.
So, if you’re installing benches in a high-traffic or high-risk area, I’d strongly recommend opting for these security features. They don’t add much to the cost, but they dramatically reduce the risk of theft or vandalism. Also, if you already have benches in place, you can often retrofit existing bolts with anti-theft replacements.
One thing to keep in mind: these fasteners can be a slight inconvenience for maintenance teams, since you need a special tool to remove them for repairs or relocation. But most property managers agree that the trade-off is worth it.
In short: yes, street benches can—and should—be equipped with anti-theft bolts or tamper-proof screws. It’s a simple upgrade that protects your public seating and saves money in the long run.