A pole (14), such as for a parking meter (26), that is reinforced by a hardening compound applied to its surface, preferably in vertical strips (20), to prevent theft, and a method of anchoring the pole. A pipe (24) with a slightly greater diameter than the pole is placed over and around the pole. Preferably, the pole is welded to a base plate (16), with hollow metal cylinders (18) welded to and extending from an opposite surface of the plate. Holes (12) are drilled in a concrete surface (10), epoxy is inserted into the holes, the metal cylinders are inserted into the holes, and when the epoxy hardens the cylinders and base plate are bonded to the concrete. Preferably, circular transverse holes are made in the top of the pole using a plasma cutter, and expander jaws (46) are then welded to the interior of the pole, to securely attach the head (42) of the parking meter to the pole.