Police issue advice to Mansfield motorists after catalytic converter thefts

Nottinghamshire Police are appealing for information after two thefts and an attempted theft of catalytic converters from car parks at the Sutton hospital on January 22, between 8am and 4pm.

And officers have now offered advice to motorists following a rise in the thefts of the equipment, which convert vehicle exhaust emissions into less toxic substances.

Detective Inspector Steve Wragg, said: "Catalytic converters are targeted because they contain high-value metals.

"Catalytic converter theft can have a big impact on victims as repairs can be costly and time spent without a vehicle can make it difficult for victims to get to work, drop their children off at school and generally go about their daily business.

"It can take offenders only a matter of seconds to remove a catalytic converter which is why we’re urging members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.

"As well as enforcement, we are also working closely with partners, including car park operators, to look at crime prevention measures and signage to warn and educate drivers of the rise in catalytic converter thefts, as well as offering advice to motorists on steps they can take to protect their vehicles from opportunistic thieves.

"If you see anyone jacking a car up in a public car park, or on a public road, or if you see anything that doesn't sit right or anyone acting strangely, call us on 101. If a crime is currently taking place, call 999.

"People should also consider protective marking, and check with their vehicle's manufacturer to see if there are any protective guards they can purchase."

Advice to motorists includes: park in a locked garage; if it’s not possible to garage your vehicle, park it in a busy, well-lit area as close to your property as possible; consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm to your vehicle; use a catalytic converter protection device or marking system.

Police said motorists will know if they have fallen victim to such a crime as their vehicle’s engine “will sound different”.

For more crime prevention advice, see nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/prevention/catalyticconverter