Appeal for information as catalytic converter thefts rise across Hampshire
The charity Crimestoppers says people can contact them "100% anonymously"
A campaign to help catch culprits involved in thefts of catalytic converters from cars is running this week in Hampshire.
The charity Crimestoppers, supported by the Neighbourhood Watch Network, is appealing for information - no matter how small - as incidents rise across the area.
It is reaching out to those who know or suspect people involved in the crime - to remind them they can come forward anonymously.
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.
Crimestoppers says the rising value of precious 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.
And it says the demand to replace stolen catalytic converters with cheaper second-hand ones has increased.
In Hampshire, between October 2020 to March this year, there were almost 500 catalytic converter thefts reported.
Emily van der Lely, Crimestoppers Hampshire & IOW Regional Manager, 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. For 33 years since our charity started, thousands of people have contacted us daily with their crime information. You can call our UK Contact Centre 24/7 on 0800 555 111 for free, or you can complete a simple, secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org, only you will know you contacted us."
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."
To report crime 100% anonymously, visit Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form or call the Crimestoppers Contact Centre 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year.
Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and Crimestoppers have no caller line display or 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.
In an emergency, always call 999.