Drivers in South Leicestershire urged to be extra vigilant after a string of catalytic converter thefts from cars

Drivers throughout South Leicestershire and Northamptonshire are being urged by police to be extra vigilant after a string of catalytic converter thefts from cars.

Thieves are targeting vehicles across the two counties as the price of precious metals used in the eco devices go through the roof.

Catalytic converters can be stolen in just 60 seconds with high power tools, police are warning.

The new warning comes as police hunt criminals who stole a catalytic converter from a blue Honda Civic in Boffin Close, Rothwell, earlier this month.

Between 3pm and 3.50pm on Friday, October 2, three offenders drove into Boffin Close in a dark grey Volkswagen Golf.

Two jacked up the Civic, parked in a communal car park, before stealing the valuable catalytic converter.

Anyone who may have any information regarding this incident is asked to urgently call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 20000518700.

And a man of 25 was arrested in Leicester as armed police were alerted when a car’s catalytic converter was pinched in Lutterworth last month.

The latest thefts come as Leicestershire Police have launched a campaign urging drivers to be extra-vigilant after a mini-crime spree.

Officers are installing bold warning signs in hotspot locations to warn drivers.

They will be promoting how to slash the risk of being targeted on social media channels and via Neighbourhood Link and are working with local garages to offer free security marking for catalytic convertors.

Thieves cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car before selling them on for profit.

Bigger vehicles such as 4x4s are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and they tend to have larger engines, containing more of the precious metals.

Det Ch Insp Reme Gibson, of Leicestershire CID, said: “We have seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts around the force area.

“Predominantly, these crimes tend to occur in supermarket car parks and private driveways.

“Any vehicle can be subject to catalytic converter theft.

“However, the Toyota Auris, Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz and Honda Accord are known to be more vulnerable to this type of theft.

“We urge vehicle owners to take measures when parking and reduce the risk of theft.”

To cut the risk of theft of your car's catalytic converter:

· Park your car in a garage or somewhere that makes it difficult for anyone to access its underside

· Install CCTV that captures where you park

· Don’t park your car in one place for long periods of time

· Secure your catalytic converter with extra bolts to make it more difficult to remove

· Try defensive parking against a wall or by another lower vehicle to make it more difficult to get under

· Have a mechanic weld the catalytic converter to the exhaust system