Catalytic converter thefts on the increase

BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of a number of stolen catalytic converters recovered by officers after more than 300 police officers took part in an early morning operation on Tuesday to smash what is believed to be a criminal network fueling an increase in the thefts of catalytic converters across London.
Stolen catalytic converters recovered by the Metropolitan Police Credit: PA

Police in Cambridgeshire investigating a rise in catalytic converter thefts have held a week-long operation targeting thieves.

Catalytic converters are fitted to petrol and diesel engined cars and hybrids to reduce pollution. They contain valuable metals which criminals can sell for between £50 and £200 a time.

Thieves have been stealing catalytic converters from vehicles across Cambridgeshire at an average of more than two a day since the beginning of the year.

Throughout the week officers have been visiting scrap metal dealers to check stolen items were not being accepted.

Toyotas and Hondas seem to be favoured by the thieves but other vehicles including Lexus, Mercedes, Mazda and Volkswagen have also been singled out.

What you can do to reduce the risk of your car being targeted:

  • Park your car in a garage if possible or in a lit area up against a fence/wall/other vehicle so it can’t be lifted

  • Avoid parking half-on-half-off the pavement

  • Consider a catalytic lock which a garage can install

  • Fit a tilt car alarm

  • Mark your catalytic converter

  • Install a video doorbell and/or driveway alarm that will alert you to suspicious activity