Abstract: System and method for detecting an unauthorized movement of a communications or meter device, such as a meter that monitors and communicates a measure of use of energy or some other metered quantity (electrical, gas, water, etc.), to prevent meter tampering or removal. A bolt, screw, nail or other attachment mechanism, used to attach the device to a selected stationary or movable object, is provided with a permanent magnet having a selected magnetic field direction that can be transverse to, a selected attachment mechanism direction (e.g., transverse to a bolt shaft direction). A field-activated magnetic switch, such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch, having a selected switch direction is located near the permanent magnet.