Thieves target cars’ catalytic converters in three villages

CATALYTIC converter thieves have targeted vehicles in three Leicestershire villages in a string of overnight attacks.

Police have appealed for information after the incidents in Markfield, Whitwick and Measham, on the night of Tuesday, March 8.

Market Bosworth Police said in a Facebook post: “We will be conducting a CCTV trawl of the area and speaking with residents in hopes of gaining some more information regarding the identification of the suspects involved and the vehicle they were using.

“If you live in any of the areas mentioned and noticed anything suspicious/out of the ordinary last

Hybrid vehicles are the most common target, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft

night, please get in contact.” Signs that a catalytic converter theft is being committed include a vehicle being raised using a car jack, in a car park or residential area, or a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath a vehicle.

The converters are prized by thieves as they contain valuable metals which can be easily removed and sold on.

Thefts of the devices most frequently happen in car parks, but they can take place anywhere.

The culprits then sell the converters on to scrapyards, online, or they ship them out of the country.

Hybrid vehicles are the most common target, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft. To protect your vehicle, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to the Sold Secure Gold standard.

You should also park your vehicle in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle, park it in a secure compound.

If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well lit and overlooked, and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves.

Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.

You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.

If you witness what you believe is a theft taking place, call 999.

If it is safe to do so, take photos of the suspects or the number plate of their car, but do not approach suspects, as they have been known to use violence.

If you have any information about the thefts in Markfield, Whitwick or Measham, call 101 or visit the Leicestershire Police website.