Warning over spate of thefts of converters

POLICE have issued a warning after a spate of catalytic converter thefts in parts of North Derbyshire.

Officers from Derbyshire police are urging people to do all they can to prevent criminals stealing the devices from their vehicles, an act that can leave owners thousands of pounds out of pocket.

It comes after five catalytic converters were stolen from cars on Tuesday afternoon and evening in Old Whittington, New Whittington and at Chesterfield Railway Station.

Catalytic converters are devices on the exhausts of vehicles that reduce toxic gases and pollutants. They contain precious metals to help vehicles meet emissions standards, making them a target for criminals.

The most commonly targeted vehicles are hybrid ones, as the catalytic converter is used less often and the metals are not as corroded.

Police are encouraging people to park cars somewhere it is difficult to get underneath, such as a garage, and marking their catalytic converter with a serial number and registering it.

They are also recommending people install alarms and CCTV, as well as good quality lighting near where your vehicle is parked, which can act as a deterrent.

Anyone who has information about the specific incidents mentioned above is asked to contact Derbyshire police, quoting reference 21*463679, or via social media.