POLICE WARNING AFTER ‘MASKED MEN’ STEAL CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Theft is one of five recorded in one day
POLICE have warned the public to be on their guard – after a ‘masked gang’ made off with a catalytic converter from outside a house.
The incident happened in Leonard Avenue in Baddeley Green at around noon on March 5.
Three masked men were spotted pulling up in a blue Ford Fiesta and jacking up the vehicle before stealing the catalytic converter.
They turned round in Heels and Toes’ car park and made off back towards Leek New Road.
Later that day, a car owner who had been working in Upper Marsh, Newcastle, reported someone had removed the catalytic converter between 8.30am and 5.30pm.
The worker’s car had been targeted while parked in the free council car park next to the street.
The offenders left a cutting disc and bolt next to the vehicle.
More cars were also targeted on the same day in Tamworth, Uttoxeter and Burton, where a blue Fiesta was also spotted.
Now chief inspector David Wain, Staffordshire Police’s senior investigating officer for this type of crime, urged the public to stay alert as an investigation was launched.
He said: “We need people’s help to tackle this issue so we ask that they record descriptions – noting down anything that could be useful to us.
“Try to obtain any key information such as registration numbers of vehicles and models in case the plates have been changed.
“We would urge anybody who witnesses an incident taking place to call 999 immediately. Often offenders will raise a targeted vehicle on a jack to get to the catalytic converter.”
Catalytic converters are targeted by criminal gangs because they contain precious metals.
Chief Inspector Wain added: “The tools they carry for such offences are dangerous to others so we would encourage people not to approach them and to call 999 if the crime is in progress.”
Anyone with any information should message police on Facebook or Twitter, or call 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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