Officers launch crackdown on convertor thefts
MOTORISTS across East Cambridgeshire are being offered the chance to have their catalytic converters engraved free of charge, a scheme police hope will help dramatically reduce thefts in the area.
Officers in East Cambs have teamed up with almost 20 garages across the district to provide this service following a sudden increase in catalytic converter thefts.
By engraving the catalytic converter, officers hope it could prevent criminals from selling it on.
Garages involved in the scheme can engrave your catalytic converter when your car is having a service or MOT for free. You will also receive a warning sticker to display.
Inspector Robin Sissons said: “We have seen a significant rise in the number of thefts recently due to an increase in the value of the metals they contain.
“We are committed to tackling this type of crime and it is great we can work with so many garages in the area to provide this service to help reduce the number of catalytic converter thefts.
“We are also working closely with scrapyards in our area, which are playing their part in the work to reduce thefts.
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“The marked catalytic converters are painted with a heat resistant paint making them easily identifiable. The yards will check and record details of these markings and the local team will check these against our crime records during our daily visits.”
The garages who have agreed to take part in the scheme are: EMG Motor Group; Marshalls of Ely; ATS Euromaster; B&T Motors; Ely Tyres; Doughty Walker; Victoria Tyres; LG Cars; ALS Autos; Kings of Witcham; A10 Car and Bike; Olympic Tyres; VW Cars of Burwell; Robbie’s; Jaggard Brothers; Isleham Renault and Kirtling Garage.
Officers will be handing out letters to vehicle owners to raise awareness of catalytic converter thefts.
The initiative is also taking place in Suffolk and Norfolk.
Inspector Sissons added: “While officers and garages are doing all they can to prevent thefts and identify thieves, vehicle owners must be vigilant about this crime, look out for your own vehicles and your neighbours. If you see anything suspicious or see anyone trying to sell converters please let us know.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0345 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
