There has been a spike in instances of Catalytic Converters being stolen in the Borough, including in our ward. There were six such thefts between 4 and 11 June, mostly in broad daylight in Sanderstead Road, Riddlesdown Road, Riddlesdown Avenue, Lower Barn Road and Brancaster Lane. The local Police team have forwarded to me some prevention advice which I share here:
The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft.
• To protect your converter from theft, ask your vehicle dealership if they can give you any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Alternatively, try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle park it in a secure compound. If this isn’t possible, park in an area that is well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the convertor can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.
• You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. Visit: www.securedbydesign.com for more details.
If you spot a vehicle being jacked up at the side of the road in suspicious circumstances please call 999 and make us aware. We need your help to catch these offenders.
