THIEVES TARGET HOSPITAL CAR PARK
OFFICERS TEAM UP WITH SITE SECURITY TO TACKLE PROBLEM
THIEVES are targeting a hospital’s car park to steal catalytic converters, police have reported.
Officers have teamed up with the security team at Glenfield Hospital to tackle the problem.
The devices, which are part of the exhaust system, are attractive to thieves because they contain a number of precious metals, chiefly palladium and platinum.
Police forces across the country have reported a surge in thefts.
West Leicester police, which covers areas including Braunstone, Beaumont Leys and New Parks, posted a warning on social media this week and said its officers have spoken to security staff at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL).
Inspector Rob Randell, West Leicester police commander, said officers are patrolling the car park to track down the thieves.
Insp Randell said: “We work very closely with UHL, which operates Glenfield, and regularly share information concerning offences on hospital sites with a view to conducting joint patrols with security.
“Theft of catalytic convertors is a national trend due to the value in that some manufacturers use in them”
Previously, police advised people to follow these tips to reduce the risk of their catalytic converters being stolen:
■ Install CCTV that captures where you park;
■ Don’t park your car in one place for long periods of time;
■ Park your car in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside;
■ Secure your catalytic converter with extra bolts to make it more difficult to remove;
■ Try defensive parking against a wall or by another lower vehicle to make it more difficult to get under;
■ Have a mechanic weld the catamaterials lytic converter to the exhaust system;
■ Park your car in lit up areas or on busy areas;
■ When you book in for your next MOT service, ask your garage to fit the marking kit onto your vehicle for free.
The Mercury approached the hospitals trust for a comment.