Thieves target car catalytic converters

The high price of metal could be behind a spate of thefts of catalytic converters, according to police.

Car owners are being warned to be vigilant after more than 25 were stolen in the past week, mainly in Windsor and Maidenhead.

Most took place on Wednesday morning and police say there were some reports of thefts in Slough on Friday.

Police believe the thieves are using a garage-style hydraulic jack to access the cars’ exhaust systems. 

Police have issued some advice to motorists to reduce their chances of becoming a victim:

• Park in garages whenever possible.
• Park in conspicuous, well-lit areas, such as the middle of car parks.
• When parked in business premises and industrial estates, ensure vehicles are reversed into the parking space, away from hedges and nearer the centre, so that thieves are deterred and can not be hidden from view. By parking nose in, the catalytic converter is easier to access.
• Listen out for vehicle alarms going off.
• If CCTV is available, ensure that the operators are aware of the problem and can keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. Make sure the CCTV cameras are directed towards parked vehicles at times of the day when they are likely to be most vulnerable.
• Consider scratching your postcode into the surface of the catalytic converter - if the item is traceable to you, it will be harder for the thieves to sell and they’ll be less likely to steal it.