Catalytic converter thefts return to Wiltshire

There's a warning to drivers to watch out for thieves targeting catalytic converters after a spate of thefts, which are being linked.

From the end of March to the beginning of April, six incidents have been reported where the expensive equipment's been stolen while vehicles were parked outside their owners' homes.

These happened in Pewsey, Collingbourne Ducis, two in Collingbourne Kingston, Ludgershall and Marlborough.

Catalytic converters are popular items for thieves, due to their high value as scrap metal.

PCSO Pippa Brewer said:

“It appears that all these incidents were linked and we are dealing with either one suspect or a group of suspects who are targeting vehicles in this part of Wiltshire.

“We know that this type of crime is hugely frustrating and inconvenient for victims, as well as the financial loss that they are likely to endure.

“While we are carrying out enquiries to identify the person or people responsible, we’re also hoping that the following crime prevention advice might also help stop others falling victim to this sort of theft.”

ADVICE FOR DRIVERS

Wiltshire Police has issued some tips to prevent us becoming the next 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

• You could 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

We're also being asked to report any suspicious activity, including if we think a crime is in progress.

You can call 101, or 999 if it's an urgent call-out.

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• wiltshire police
• catalytic converters
• Thefts