North Flintshire Police issue warning on rising catalytic converter thefts

North Flintshire Police have issued a warning to residents following a series of catalytic converter thefts in the area.

The police are urging residents to take preventive measures and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Catalytic converters, devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce harmful emissions, are often targeted by thieves due to the valuable metals they contain.

Thefts can occur anywhere but are most common in car parks.

A North Flintshire Police spokesperson said: “We have received recent reports of catalytic converter thefts in the area. There are steps that you can take to protect your vehicle from being targeted.”

“To keep your catalytic converter safe, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, try to ensure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight or in a secure compound.”

“If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.”

“You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.”

Thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than a minute, and the stolen devices are often sold via scrapyards, online, or shipped out of the country.

Hybrid vehicles are particularly at risk, as their converters contain more valuable metals. However, any vehicle can be a target.

Signs of a catalytic converter theft in progress include a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area, or a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath a vehicle.

The police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity.

If a crime is happening, residents should call 999.

If safe to do so, taking photos of suspects or their vehicle’s number plate can be helpful, but the police warn against approaching suspects as they may resort to violence

If the crime has already occurred, it can be reported online or via 101.

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