Warning to Dorset drivers as catalytic converter thefts increase

Dorset police have issued safety advice

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 7th Aug 2021

Advice is being issued to car owners as there has been an increase in catalytic converter thefts in Dorset.

The theft is closely linked to prices of Rhodium and Palladium which are found in the converters.

Dorset Police say the prices of these metals has increased and is what is believed to have contributed to the number of thefts increasing.

They can be stolen within a few minutes by using just a few basic tools.

Dorset Police data reveals there were 94 reports of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles in the county between January and June 2020.

This increased by 368% – 440 reports – during the same period in 2021.

These thefts can have a real impact on victims. It is not only an inconvenience, but also disrupts day-to-day tasks, such as taking children to school and getting to and from work. Catalytic converter thefts can also leave victims with pricey repair bills, increased premiums or even having their vehicles written off.

There are ways you can protect your catalytic converter from thieves.

  • Think about where you park - If you can, park your vehicle in a locked garage. If this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area. Park close to fences, walls or a kerb and avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter. If you are parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other vehicles. This will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to get underneath the vehicle.
  • Mark your catalytic converter - You can mark your catalytic converter with a unique code that will relate back to your vehicle. This is done using SmartWater and is an incredibly effective way of preventing theft. SmartWater is a forensic liquid, which can withstand heat of up to 600 degrees. It can be applied to car parts and each batch has a unique code which allows it to be traced back to the owner.

Superintendent Heather Dixey said: “Our officers are working hard to prevent this crime. A number of vehicles being used to commit these offences have been seized recently and our crime scene investigators are working hard to forensically link offenders to these vehicles and the crimes.

“Dorset Police acknowledges that this is a concern for our communities and we are doing everything we can to prevent it, but this crime can happen in a matter of seconds. We are asking for your help. We can’t stop this crime without you, so if you know something please help your community and contact us.”

You can report any information online here. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, an independent charity working to help communities on 0800 555 111.

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