Catalytic Converter Thefts Update

Another deep sigh. How different would our lives be (for the better) if we didn’t have to be so mindful of all the scams out there. Well scams and thefts really speaking. This latest article, so very kindly sent to me again by John in Blacon, is about catalytic converter thefts. There has been a post on this before, but this is an update. As you will see in a link at the bottom of the article, cars parked at Chester Zoo have been of particular interest.

Have a read of the article and, as ever, spread the word wherever you can. Thanks.

Catalytic Converter Thefts Update

“PRESS UPDATE 11/07/2020 to the article originally highlighted on 8th June.

Cheshire Police Alert – Call For Vigilance Following Spate of Catalytic Converter Thefts 08/06/2020.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging residents to be vigilant following an increase in catalytic converter thefts.

Since Wednesday 27 May officers have received six separate reports of thefts involving catalytic converters.

Honda and Toyota cars are particularly being targeted. And although thieves have stolen catalytic converters across Cheshire the most recent incidents occurred in Runcorn, Widnes and Northwich.

Inspector Anton Sullivan, of Cheshire Constabulary Roads and Crime Unit, said:

“Investigations involving my unit and colleagues from neighbourhood policing teams are ongoing in relation to the thefts and we are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“While the investigations take place I encourage motorists to be vigilant and review any security measures they have in place.

“In recent times offenders have been predominantly targeting hybrid vehicles. These include Toyota, Honda and Nissan cars, but other vehicles may be at risk.

“Offenders use specialist tools to remove catalytic converters from vehicles. Also, they have been doing so in daylight at car parks and other areas where cars are left.

“If you see anyone using tools on cars in such places please let us know as soon as possible.

“I also ask scrap metal dealers to be mindful if they are ever offered catalytic converters or exhaust systems and to contact us if they suspect that they could have been stolen.”

Catalytic Converter Thefts – What Steps Can Motorists Take?

There are a number of steps that motorists can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim, including:

• If possible, park your car in a garage

• Also, if your car is at high risk, consider marking the metal shell of the converter with a unique mark. Therefore, if it is stolen it will be easier to trace back to your vehicle

• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, the bolts can be welded shut. This would not stop a determined thief but would slow them down

• Giving some consideration to the way your vehicle is parked could reduce the chances of your catalytic converter being stolen. High and low clearance vehicles being parked close together make it more difficult for a thief to gain access to converters.

• Also, good quality lighting will improve natural surveillance and make a thief less likely to be able to remove a catalytic converter without being seen.

• Leaving your car in an area covered by CCTV may also deter thieves. CCTV systems should be well signed.

Catalytic Converter Thefts – Contact Information

If you have any information about the thefts, or if you see anyone removing catalytic converters or acting suspiciously in your community, please call Cheshire Constabulary on 101.

Alternatively, information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Message Sent By Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications)

CHESTER ZOO – RECENT LOCAL THEFTS OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18575322.thieves-target-cars-parked-chester-zoo-stealing-catalytic-converters/?ref=rss“

***NB*** A quick update (14/07) on the Chester Zoo thefts. A man has been charged after catalytic converters were stolen from cars at Chester Zoo***

Another very useful and informative article to add to the Chester Crimewatch folder. Thanks again John for your vigilance.

And a quick message to all of you out there. Wherever you can be vigilant and also, where you can, spread the word. In this particular case, especially to Honda and Toyota car owners. Although of course, not just them. But as the article suggests they are the most vulnerable.

Thanks for reading folks. Stay safe one and all.

Chester Crimewatch

To see all the other Chester Crimewatch blog posts, have a look HERE.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

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