CORRECTED: Police seize catalytic converters after stopping a car on the M1

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit seized catalytic converters and arrested three men after they stopped a car using cloned plates near Rugby.

Thieves continue to target the car part as it contains several valuable metals.

After spotting it on the M45 yesterday evening (Wednesday 12 May) officers followed the vehicle before stopping it near junction 15 on the M1 where they seized a significant number of catalytic converters and number plates, a large vehicle jack, and electric cutting equipment.

Three men from London, aged 22, 25 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of theft and remain in custody.

Detective Inspector Collette O’Keefe from Warwickshire Police Proactive CID said: “Catalytic converter theft can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to people’s cars and also seriously affect their insurance premiums in future. It is a growing problem that we are working hard to tackle.”

Anyone with information that could help police with their ongoing enquiries can call police on 101 quoting incident 283 of 12 May 2021. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams in the boroughs of North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby are working with local garages to provide to provide free catalytic converter security marking to people who own a Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris or a Honda Jazz – the models commonly targeted by criminals.

The offer is initially available to 500 owners with a view to making it more widely available in the county - including the south of the county. Keep any eye the force social media accounts and hash tag #HelpStopVehicleCrime for more details in the coming weeks.

Remember, you can help us to reduce catalytic converter thefts:

• Keep your vehicle in a garage or secure area if you have one
• Alarms, lighting and CCTV help to deter thieves
• Buy a protection device for you catalytic converter
• Set your dash cam to detect movement
• Park with your exhaust close to a fence, wall or kerb to make it difficult for thieves
• Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road as this makes it easier for thieves
• If parking in a car park try to park alongside other cars
• Mark your catalytic converter with your car’s serial number – this makes it harder for thieves to sell it on and means it can be tracked back to your vehicle if police seize it.

And remember, keep an eye out for people acting suspicious (especially if they are under a vehicle) and report it by calling 999.

 

Posted by SC, Corporate Communications