Current timestamp: 30/03/2023 16:07:06
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

Kent Police logo - Two line colour transparent white text ( 1)

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

Drivers warned over catalytic converter thefts in and around Sevenoaks

Main article content

Navigation

Policing news

15:22 09/02/2021

Drivers are being warned to be vigilant following a spate of catalytic converter thefts in areas including Sevenoaks and Swanley.

Since 22 January 2021, at least seven catalytic converters have been stripped from vehicles at locations which also include Edenbridge, Penshurst, Weald and Eynsford.

Older vehicles targeted

Criminals use a jack to lift cars and steal the parts, in a process which takes just a few minutes.

The exhaust emission control devices contain a small amount of precious metals which can then be sold at high prices.

In recent years vehicle manufacturers have introduced new models of catalytic convertor which contain less precious metal, making them worth less.

Because of this, thieves are now often targeting cars which are more than 10 years old.

Chief Inspector for Sevenoaks district, Mark Stubberfield said: ‘The latest offences over the past two weeks have taken place during both daytime and at night and all involve Toyota and Honda vehicles, including one car manufactured in 2002. ‘I would like to reassure drivers that we proactively patrol areas targeted by thieves and also work closely with scrap metal dealers to trace those selling stolen metal and identify any dealerships that may be operating illegally. 'We are also asking residents to play their part, by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviour. Call 999 if you think a crime is in progress.’

Security advice

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.

Where possible park close to fences, walls and kerbs with the exhaust closest to the barrier to make it difficult for thieves.

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.

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Kent Police

  • Contact us
  • Careers
  • About us
  • News
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Partner services
  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.