Warning after 4x4s targeted
A WARNING has been issued to 4X4 owners after thieves stole 13 catalytic converters from vehicles in the Harborough district over two nights.
Thieves struck in villages along the A47 last Thursday night before targeting vehicles in Harborough and Foxton on Friday night.
A total of 13 converters were stolen by the thieves, who police say favour 4x4s and people carriers because their ground clearance gives them more room to work.
Sgt Nick Everitt, of Harborough police, said Ford Ranger models were being targeted in particular.
“Any high-riding vehicl is susceptible,” he told the Mail.
“Anyone with a garage or yard area in which to secure their vehicle should use it.”
The converters, which are removed using pipe cutting equipment, contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Police say the soaring price of metal has prompted a rise in the number of thefts of converters in recent years.
Last week’s thefts in Harborough came just a week after 12 Ford Ranger vehicles were targeted in the Melton and Rutland area.
Leicestershire police is taking part in a regional campaign to tackle metal thefts, with officers visiting scrap metal dealers across the county to urge them ot establish the authenticity of metal they buy.
In a recent message to residents, Insp Paul McKinder of Harborough police said: “I would ask that you assist us by securing your vehicle overnight in a garage or protected well lit area wherever possible.
“In addition I would ask that you report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, taking details of vehicle registration numbers and descriptions of persons.”
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Weather for Market Harborough
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 5 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South west
