Warning after thieves target vans at Nuneaton firm

Warning after thieves target vans at Nuneaton firm
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/nuneaton-news-van-thefts-16181489

Recent Catalytic Converter thefts in Oxford

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/17553991.warning-after-spate-of-catalytic-converter-thefts-in-oxford/

Train delays because of UK cable thefts soar, says Network Rail

Train delays because of UK cable thefts soar, says Network Rail



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47901062

Church vans vandalized among wave of catalytic-converter thefts in Durham

Church vans vandalized among wave of catalytic-converter thefts in Durham

https://abc11.com/church-vans-vandalized-among-wave-of-catalytic-converter-thefts-in-durham/5234771/

Toyota Prius Could Be New Favorite Target for Catalytic Converter Thieves

Toyota Prius Could Be New Favorite Target for Catalytic Converter Thieves

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california/Toyota-Prius-Could-Be-New-Favorite-Target-for-Catalytic-Converter-Thieves-508833161.html

Man 'in disbelief' after exhaust pipe is stolen twice from his car outside Dublin hospital

Man 'in disbelief' after exhaust pipe is stolen twice from his car outside Dublin hospital

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/man-in-disbelief-after-exhaust-pipe-is-stolen-twice-from-his-car-outside-dublin-hospital-36573865.html

‘Etch and Catch’: MCC-Longview Campus To Offer Free Catalytic Converter Engraving

https://lstribune.net/index.php/2019/04/20/etch-and-catch-mcc-longview-campus-to-offer-free-catalytic-converter-engraving/

The Metropolitan Community College Police Department and automotive technology program are teaming up to deter would-be thieves of catalytic converters on vehicles. At the “Etch and Catch” event — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 26, at MCC-Longview in Lee’s Summit — car owners can get their catalytic converters engraved with the vehicle identification number (VIN) for free.

Converter theft is a growing problem. Thieves like to target parking lots full of cars, and after they steal converters they typically try to sell them as scrap metal. Catalytic converters can be removed from cars in just a minute, but they’re expensive for vehicle owners to replace.

“Our hope is that thieves will not be interested in an etched converter,” MCC Police Chief Londell Jamerson says. “Having the vehicles’ VIN on the converter highlighted with bright paint presents a good deterrent for theft. Also, someone who buys a converter with these markings should know they’re receiving stolen property.”

Jamerson says the Etch and Catch program is another way MCC Police works with the campus communities. “We value our partnership with the High Technology Automotive Program as we work together to prevent and minimize these types of crimes,” he says.

To take advantage of the free Etch and Catch service on April 26, vehicle owners need to pre-register by emailing Etchandcatch@mcckc.edu. Please include the vehicle make, model, license plate number, VIN and a contact phone number, along with a window of time when you’d like to stop by.

In addition to the engraving on a hidden part of the converter, a sticker stating the converter has been etched will be affixed to the vehicle’s window.

Even if your converter is stolen, the engraving will help police investigate the crime and potentially catch the criminals.

MCC Police are hoping to engrave more than 100 vehicles on April 26.

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Brazen thieves steal exhaust from car in broad daylight to get precious metal - as police warn gangs are operating in London with 900 thefts in less than a year

Brazen thieves steal exhaust from car in broad daylight to get precious metal - as police warn gangs are operating in London with 900 thefts in less than a year

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6932635/Brazen-thieves-steal-exhaust-car-broad-daylight-precious-metal.html#v-3702384964451190727

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6932635/Brazen-thieves-steal-exhaust-car-broad-daylight-precious-metal.html#v-3702384964451190727


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6932635/Brazen-thieves-steal-exhaust-car-broad-daylight-precious-metal.html#v-3702384964451190727

13,000 catalytic converters stolen from UK cars

New figures show nearly 13,000 catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicle exhaust systems since 2013

Criminal gangs are jacking up cars in order to steal the catalytic converters from their exhaust systems and sell the precious metal contained within.

A Freedom of Information investigation by The Times showed almost 13,000 catalytic converters have been stolen since 2013.

Despite manufacturers attempting to make catalytic converters less accessible for thieves, police data reveals 1,245 were stolen from vehicles in 2017.

Furthermore, experts predict thefts will increase as time goes on. Antonia Grey, public affairs manager at the British Metals Recycling Association, told The Times that cuts to council and police budgets mean laws introduced in 2013 to crack down on metal theft are “no longer being enforced"

Introduced in 2013, the laws made it illegal for metal recyclers to pay cash for scrap and required sellers to produce identity documents. Grey explained: “Illegal operators are so unconcerned that they are openly advertising cash for scrap and many of them will no longer have the required scrap metal dealer licence.

“It is highly likely that people stealing catalytic converters will head to these cash-paying yards rather than legitimate sites.”

Meanwhile, separate Home Office figures show the total number of thefts from vehicles increased 14 per cent last year to 656,000 incidents.

The AA warned that large 4x4 SUVs are the most at risk of having their catalytic converters stolen because they are higher from the ground, making it easier for thieves to get underneath the car.

In December, police warned thieves were using high-powered hydraulic equipment to raise cars off the ground in broad daylight and steal their catalytic converters. One incident saw several cars targeted in a supermarket car park in south-east London within the space of a few minutes.

Motorists are advised to park cars in secure garages if possible or in well-lit areas, and to mark the metal shell of the converter to it can be traced if removed.

Catalytic converters are being stolen from cars across Kent, including Dartford, Medway, Swale and Maidstone

Brazen thieves are stealing vital parts from cars and selling them on for a high price.

Since the start of 2019 at least 29 catalytic converters have been stripped from cars across the county.

The thefts have mostly affected motorists in the north and west of the county.

Offences have taken place in Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway and Swale.

Catalytic converters used to be a popular target for thieves because of the scrap metal value.

In recent years new models have been made with less precious models, but older cars are still being targeted.

Sgt Dan Horsley of the north division Community Safety Unit said: "Changes made by manufactures to deter thieves are reflected in the vehicles we see being targeted today.

"In more than half the offences Toyota Prius vehicles, made between 2006 and 2007, have been targeted. Victims have also reported a number of thefts from Honda models from 2000 and 2005."

On March 26 two men were arrested in connection with the theft and handling of stolen catalytic convertors, after a suspicious car was stopped by officers in Main Road, Longfield.

"Changes made by manufactures to deter thieves are reflected in the vehicles

Items including a number of catalytic convertors and cutting tools were seized from the vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.

Sgt Horsley added: "We are continuing to work hard to deter and reduce the number of these crimes.

"This includes working closely with scrap metal dealers, to make it easier to trace sellers of stolen metal and also identify any dealers who operate illegally.

"We are also asking residents to play their part, by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviour."

To reduce the risk of theft, owners are advised try and keep vehicles in a garage whenever possible, or park in busy, well-lit areas.

Drivers can also security mark and register the metal shell of the converter so if stolen and recovered, it will be easier to trace.

Mark or etch it with the vehicle registration number, or serial number, and consider fitting a catalytic converter clamp or security cage to protect it.