Thames Valley Police are seeing an increase in reported thefts of catalytic converters, and have sent an alert out to businesses for the best ways to prevent this type of crime.
To reduce the risk of your catalytic converter being targeted by thieves, please consider the following crime prevention steps:
• Check your vehicles regularly. We have had thefts noticed and reported a week or more after the car was last used.
• Ask your car dealer or garage if they can give you any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer or extra measures that can be fitted to make removal more difficult, such as etching a serial number on the converter or making the bolts more difficult to remove.
• Register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. You can also advertise that the vehicle has been protected with window stickers.
• Be aware that vehicle alarms are not often triggered when catalytic converters are removed. You can speak to your dealership or garage about adding a tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up.
• Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this is not an option, then park in a well-lit and well-populated area.
• Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter.
• If there is a fleet of vehicles, park low clearance vehicles to block high clearance vehicles. This will help obstruct access underneath.
Be aware that offenders often wear high visibility vests to make you think they are legitimate. If you see someone acting suspiciously near or under a vehicle, report it to the Police straight away. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.
Please contact Thames Valley Police if you have any information relating to crime in your neighbourhood. Report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk call on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.