Leicestershire Police is encouraging vehicle owners to be extra vigilant due to a rise in catalytic converter thefts from cars.
Thieves are targeting vehicles for the parts due to the value of the precious metals they contain, as precious metal prices go up the demand for parts that contain them goes up too, resulting in the risk of theft increasing.
The process of stealing a catalytic converter can be carried out in as little as 60 seconds with high power tools.
Now Leicestershire Police has launched a campaign to make drivers aware of the issue after a number of incidents across the force area.
The force will be will be installing bold warning signs in hotspot locations to warn drivers, will be promoting how to reduce the risk of being targeted on social media channels and via Neighbourhood Link and is working with a number of garages to offer free security marking for catalytic convertors.
The theft of catalytic converters can happen anytime day or night via typical locations such as:
Car parks - typically Supermarkets
Driveways
On street parking.
Thieves cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on for profit.
Taller vehicles (4x4s) are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and because they tend to have larger engines, contain more of the precious metals.
Detective Chief Inspector Reme Gibson said: “We have seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts around the force area. Predominantly, these crimes tend to occur in supermarket car parks and private driveways.
“Any vehicle can be subject to catalytic converter theft, however Toyota Auris, Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz and Honda Accord are known to be more vulnerable to this type of theft. We urge vehicle owners to take measures when parking and reduce the risk of theft.”
To reduce the risk of theft of your car's catalytic converter:
Park your car in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside
Install CCTV that captures where you park
Don’t park your car in one place for long periods of time
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 catalytic 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 *local garage to fit the marking kit onto your vehicle for FREE!
List of garages participating within the scheme:
Brookside, 1 Cannock Street, Leicester, LE4 9HR
Euro Tyres, 68 Barkby Road, Leicester, LE4 9LF
The force is seeking to work with more garages as the campaign progresses.