Surrey Police arrest three men following attempted catalytic converter theft
Reports of suspicious behaviour led officers to suspects
Surrey Police were called to Silvermere Golf Club in Cobham on Tuesday (30th November 2021) following reports of suspicious behaviour in the car park.
Further enquiries connected them to other reports of catalytic converters as well as a report of suspicious behaviour at RHS Wisley earlier that day.
Following swift, collaborative work from Elmbridge Neighbourhood Patrol Team and Surrey’s Roads Policing Unit, the suspects were located and arrested.
The vehicle they were driving was also found abandoned nearby.
A search of the car saw officers discover various items commonly used in catalytic converter thefts, including gloves and saw blades.
A 31-year-old man from Camden along with a 28-year-old man and a 38-year-old man, both from Hackney were all arrested on suspicion of attempted theft from a motor vehicle and going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle.
They have since been released on conditional bail.
Inspector Bert Dean, Borough Commander for Elmbridge, said: “We are aware that catalytic converter thefts are a real concern for residents in Elmbridge and across Surrey.
These arrests were a direct result of the public’s quick-thinking by reporting the suspicious behaviour they were witnessing to us.
We encourage anyone who witnesses anything suspicious, particularly in areas where multiple vehicles are parked to contact us with information, including registration plates if possible.”
Thieves are attracted by the potential to steal the valuable metals palladium and rhodium.
Police advise making access to a car’s converter as inconvenient and difficult as possible to prevent theft.