As many of you are aware, there has been a lot of concern about catalytic converter thefts in our area. This isn’t just a problem for Croydon, last year 15,000 catalytic converters were reported stolen, 6,000 more than the year before. I have been in contact with local authorities, including the head of the local Metropolitan Police, about these thefts, and I’m very pleased to say that the police have made important progress.
The Police have launched a series of raids that led to four arrests, the seizure of £60,000 and 10 vehicles. These raise took place in East London, Kent and Essex. These raids, along with a number of other arrests, are part of a much wider operation to tackle what is a very difficult crime to police.
The police will now move on to phase two of their operation to put a stop to these criminals. This includes work with Toyota to ensuring a marking scheme for catalytic converters.
I would like to thank all the officers involved in this operation, and for the members of the public who have assisted them throughout. These thefts have been going for too long, and we need to stop them as soon as possible.
