More catalytic converters stolen from vehicles at Salisbury District Hospital
Thieves target hospital car park again
Last updated 8th Jun 2022
Wiltshire Police have confirmed there have been more incidents of catalytic converters being stolen from vehicles parked at Salisbury District Hospital.
The force had three incidents reported to them on Monday (6th June).
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said:
“Two vehicles had catalytic converters stolen from them, while there was also a third attempt but the offender was disturbed and left the scene.
“Our enquiries are at an early stage and we would urge anyone with information, or anyone else who may have been victim to this type of offence at that location yesterday, to contact us. Please call 101, and quote crime reference 54220058130.
“We would also encourage anybody who witnesses any suspicious activity that could be linked to catalytic converter theft to report this to the police.
“Please note as much information as possible, including any vehicle details or registration plates, and call us on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”
It's the second time vehicles at the hospital have been targeted.
On March 2nd a catayltic converter was stolen from a Lexus belonging to an A&E nurse.
At the time Wiltshire Police said they believed six other vehicles were also targeted on the same day.
A spokesperson from Salisbury District Hospital told Greatest Hits Radio;
"Our security team are currently working with the police on what is a live investigation.
"All our security systems are working and there are active plans in place to enhance our security measures."
Crime prevention advice
Catalytic converter theft has been an ongoing issue across the Salisbury area and Wiltshire Police are keen to share tips to help stop people becoming a victim.
• Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but 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 with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult
• 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 parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing your bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it
• If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath
• 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
• You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove.