Cheshire Police warning over increase in catalytic converter thefts

Detectives in Cheshire are urging people to remain vigilant following an increase in catalytic converter thefts across the county. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Over recent weeks officers have received 11 separate reports of thefts involving catalytic converters. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Jaundrill said: “Investigations in relation to these in incidents are ongoing and we are following a number of lines of enquiry. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

“While the investigations take place I encourage motorists to remain vigilant and review any security measures they have in place. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

“I also ask scrap metal dealers to be mindful if they are offered a catalytic converter or exhaust system and to contact police if they are in any doubt.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

There are a number of steps that motorists can take to reduce their chance of becoming a victim, including: ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

• If possible, park your car in a garage 
• If the car is at high risk consider marking the metal shell of the converter with a unique mark, so that if it is removed by thieves it will be easier to trace back to your vehicle 
• If the catalytic converter is bolted on the bolts can be welded shut – this would not stop a determined thief but would slow them down.
• Giving some consideration to the way your vehicle is parked could help reduce the chances of the catalytic converter being stolen – high and low clearance vehicles being parked close together make it more difficult for a thief to gain access to converters.
• Good quality lighting will improve natural surveillance and deter potential thieves as they are less likely to be able to remove a catalytic converter without being noticed 
• CCTV may also help reduce offences and any CCTV systems should be well signed. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

If you have any information about the thefts, or if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your community, please call police on 101. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Alternatively, information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Latest News