CATALYTIC converter thefts in Worcestershire have prompted a warning from West Mercia Police. 

According to the police, there has been a recent increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in South Worcestershire

Catalytic converters control and convert exhaust emissions from your vehicle into less toxic substances. If yours is stolen, you will know because your vehicle’s engine will sound different.

This is due to a rise in the value of the precious metals they contain, with thieves usually targeting vehicles such as vans and 4x4s.

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The reason these vehicles are targeted is due to a higher ground clearance, which makes the converters more easily accessible, but all types of vehicles are still considered as vulnerable.

Due to the increase in thefts, West Mercia Police has posted steps to take in order to reduce the chances of theft occurring. 

  • Park your vehicle in a locked garage when it is unattended, or 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 ideally approved by Secure by Design Accredited Product Search.
  • Blocking access to the underside of fleet vehicles by parking lower vehicles close by.
  • Keep an eye out for anyone who seems to be working underneath cars nearby.
  • Park your car close to fences, walls or kerbs to make theft much more difficult.

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To help tackle this crime, West Mercia Police need to know about any suspicious activity around parked vehicles.

If you have any information about what is happening in your area, you can call 101 to speak to your local policing team, 999 if you are witnessing a crime in progress or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org to report information anonymously.