Costly Catalytic Converter Thefts Rise In East Sussex

Thursday, 12 November 2020 15:03

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Sliced Out: A Car Missing Its Catalytic Converter (Photo: Seth Sawtyers / Creative Commons)

Police have reported a rise in thefts of catalytic converters from cars parked in East Sussex.

Included within the latest hot-spots for the crime were Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill.

Officers said Toyota and Honda vehicles have been targeted in particular.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne and Lewes, commented:

“We are urging people to take extra precautions around their vehicles following a rise in thefts of catalytic converters across East Sussex.

“There are a number of measures people can take to deter thieves, including parking in a secure or well-lit area and considering locks or guards.

“We also encourage people to continue reporting any thefts to us, so we can build a picture of the crimes and respond effectively.”

During previous peaks in reports of similar thefts, Sussex Police told More Radio that the converters were being targeted because of the extraordinarily expensive metals they contain.

These rare elements from the platinum group of metals include the famously costly palladium and rhodium, along with platinum itself.

A licenced metal-smelting organisation in the UK has told More Radio that each converter contains between 3g and 7g of the three substances, though it will only process a minimum amount of 500 catalytic converters.

Police reminded motorists to take well-known steps to protect vehicles when left unattended, including parking in a garage overnight or in a secure compound.

If this is not possible, people are urged to park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked.

Drivers are also encouraged to park so that the convertor can’t be easily reached by potential thieves.

Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.

Car owners can ask their car dealer for any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer to keep catalytic converters safe.

People are also urged to register their converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.

Anyone who has been a victim of a catalytic converter theft, or who may have any other information including relevant CCTV, doorbell or dash cam footage, is asked to contact police.

This can be done either online or by calling 101.