Preventing catalytic converter thefts

Advice follows thefts from vans in Ashford area

Kent Police is warning businesses with vehicle fleets to beware after thieves have been targeting catalytic converters.

Thieves are targeting the converters which are located in the exhaust system under the vehicle, due to the high value of the precious metals they contain.

In two separate incidents recently, four Mercedes Sprinter vans had their converters stolen while being parked at the Kingsnorth Industrial Estate in Wotton Road, Ashford.

Taller vehicles vulnerable

Taller vehicles which are higher off the ground, such as vans and 4x4s, are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible, and because they have larger engines, they contain more of the precious metals and are therefore more attractive to thieves.

Security measures

Vehicle owners are being advised to consider investing in added security measures such as theft prevention locks for the converter and professional security marking.

People are also asked to report anything suspicious.

There is more advice and downloads available from our metal, cabling and lead thefts page.

Posted on: 16 November 2012