HUNDREDS of valuable car parts were stolen across West Mercia in 2022 according to new data.

Thieves took catalytic converters from hundreds of vehicles in the force area last year.

Catalytic converters control and convert exhaust emissions from vehicles into less toxic substances. 

Drivers quickly become aware if their vehicle has been targeted because it makes a loud sound when it is being driven.

In 2022 we reported thefts on roads such as Berkeley Street, Lugano Road, Northwick Road and Manorfield in Worcester.

READ MORE: Worcester mum launches GoFundMe for daughter's vandalised Ford Kuga

OPAL, the national intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime, revealed the figures for catalytic converter thefts per 100,000 households as part of a freedom of information request launched by Sky News.

According to the data, there were 331 thefts of catalytic converters recorded in the West Mercia police area, equivalent to 59.47 per 100,000 households.

The neighbouring poling region of West Midlands recorded 968 thefts, equivalent to 84.26 per 100,000 households

Gloucestershire had 176 thefts, Staffordshire had 304 thefts and Warwickshire had 270 thefts.

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

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.

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.

In November 2022, West Mercia Police warned there had been an increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in South Worcestershire.

READ MORE: Catalytic converter thefts are increasing in Worcestershire

Due to the increase in thefts, West Mercia Police provided 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.