Police have issued a warning following a surge in catalytic converter thefts, with vans being “specifically targeted.” Avon and Somerset Police reported ten such thefts in the past month, noting that while any vehicle can be affected, vans are particularly vulnerable.
Thefts are occurring at all times of day and night, with thieves able to remove catalytic converters in under a minute. The valuable metals within, such as rhodium, platinum, and palladium, have increased in value, driving the rise in thefts.
Police are advising motorists to take the following precautions:
- Avoid parking partially on pavements, as this provides easier access to the vehicle’s underside.
- Park in locked garages whenever possible.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas, or locations with CCTV.
- Obtain and record the catalytic converter’s serial number from your garage.
- Consider using forensic liquid to mark the catalytic converter.
- Install a protective shield over the catalytic converter.
A police spokesperson said, “It’s alarming how quickly a thief can cut and remove one—often in under a minute.”
To report a theft or provide information, call 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. To report a theft in progress, call 999.
Source: Western Mercury
David Greenwood
No point in reporting in Sussex as the Police won’t do a thing.
Mike
It’s not exactly a new thing is it !