Police warn Basingstoke residents after catalytic converter thefts
There have been multiple thefts this month
Police in Basingstoke are asking residents to be vigilant following a number of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles across the district in recent weeks.
Since 1 February, they've recorded seven catalytic converter thefts in Baughurst, Silchester, Tadley and Kingsclere.
Catalytic converter theft is closely linked to prices of Rhodium and Palladium which are contained within the converters. The prices of these metals have increased over recent years and this is what Police believe has contributed to the number of thefts increasing.
Catalytic converters can be stolen within a few minutes by using just a few basic tools.
Police advice
Find out where your catalytic converter is located on your car; if it’s at the front of your car, park with the bonnet towards a wall if possible
If it’s at the back, park it with your exhaust to the wall
If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and incorporating a wall
Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to get under your car
If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove
Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter so that if it is stolen and then recovered, we can get your converter back to you
You can purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove
Speak to your dealership or garage about the possibility of adding a tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter
Report
Police are asking people to report anyone they see acting suspiciously under a vehicle.
In the event your cat converter is stolen, you can report it online: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
Police have also asked anyone who is a scrap metal dealer to contact Police if someone offers to sell a catalytic converter to them.
Police are monitoring reports and continue to encourage people to report any suspicious activity.