Motorists urged to be vigilant following spate of catalytic converter thefts

We are urging motorists across West Mercia to be vigilant following several catalytic converter thefts in Worcestershire and Shropshire yesterday and early this morning (Thursday 27 October).

While we are working hard to prevent such crimes and we continue our investigations to find those responsible, there are some simple steps motorists can take to try and reduce the chance of their vehicle being targeted by thieves.

If you do notice any suspicious activity where individuals are pulling up next to cars and interfering with a vehicle, we would ask you to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

It can take a thief less than three minutes to remove a catalytic converter from its housing on the car exhaust pipe but below are a number of ways the public can protect their property and their vehicle:

• Keep your vehicle in a garage if you can
• If you park it on a driveway, install motion activated lighting
• Otherwise, park in a well-lit, populated area
• Locks are also available that can be fitted to your converter 
• You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.

For more prevention advice, visit our website here and you can also Visit Secured by Design or Sold Secure Gold for more details.

Have you signed up to Neighbourhood Matters? This is our direct messaging service which allows communities to raise concerns directly with their local policing team about crime and anti-social behaviour in their area.

The service is free and those who sign up can choose to receive news and appeals, local crime information and crime prevention advice such as how to protect your car from catalytic converter theft.

To sign up to Neighbourhood Matters visit www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk.

If you have information about a crime but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

For crimes in progress always call 999. For non-emergencies you can report to us online at www.westmercia.police.uk/report

Issued by AG, Corporate Communications