Rise in catalytic converter thefts in Wiltshire sparks Crimestoppers campaign
There have been incidents across Salisbury
Last updated 22nd Apr 2021
Crimestoppers has launched a campaign this week in Wiltshire, to give advice and to get anonymous information on those behind the crime.
It is as the region has seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts particularly in Salisbury and the New Forest.
The week-long campaign, supported by the Neighbourhood Watch Network, will reach out to people or suspect individuals involved in the crime, to remind them that they can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously with the information they may have, however small.
The campaign will also give advice on how to prevent the crime from happening.
The rising value of metals found in catalytic converters, such as rhodium and palladium, which are often more expensive than gold, means that converters can often sell for more than £500 on the black market.
The demand to replace stolen catalytic converters with cheaper second-hand ones has increased.
WHAT IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER?
A catalytic converter is located in a car's exhaust system.
It cleans exhaust gases before they leave an exhaust pipe and all new cars sold in Europe since 1993 by law must be fitted with one.
Converters in hybrid cars often contain even more expensive, uncorroded metals.
SAFEGUARD IT!
To reduce the risk of having your cat converter stolen, you should:
- Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if that isn't an option, then park it in a well-lit and a well-populated area.
- Park close to fences, walls or kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult
- Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement half on the road, as this may maker it easier for thieves to access the cat converter.
- If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing you bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the cat converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it.
- If your cat converter is bolted on, you can ask your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: “With catalytic converter theft on the rise it is important we remain vigilant about where we park our cars and what is going on around us. Whenever possible, we encourage you to park your car in busy, well-lit areas, or areas with CCTV coverage. It can take as little as 60 seconds for thieves to steal a catalytic converter, so keep an eye out for your neighbour’s vehicles, and if you suspect anything suspicious report it to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Emily van der Lely, Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: "With an increase in people working from home or being furloughed because of the pandemic, thieves are taking full advantage of this, as more cars are parked in driveways or on the street during the day. We know there have been cases where criminals, who work very quickly, have threatened victims who have tried to confront them and some drivers have been repeatedly targeted.
"We know it can be difficult to speak up about crime, especially if it's about someone you know. Please remember you can speak to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously and you will be doing the right thing, to keep your community safe from crime."
You can call the UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 for free, or you can complete a simple, secure anonymous online form at Crimestopers-uk.org