Catalytic converters stolen from cars

Owners of small Honda and Toyota cars are being urged to be vigilant following a series of thefts in Gainsborough and Grantham.

Catalytic converters were stolen from two Toyota Auris cars and one Toyota Yaris last night in Grantham. These thefts occurred in London Road (x2) and Bradley Drive.

The same part was also stolen from four Honda Jazz cars in Gainsborough last night. The vehicles were at properties in Park Springs Road, Stanley Street, Sandsfield Lane and Richardson Rise. 

Officers investigating are aware that these cars and Honda Civic’s have recently been targeted across the East Midlands.

Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system of vehicles. They are a target for thieves as they are coated in a precious metal that has a high value.

Thieves cut the catalytic converter from a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers.

What you can do to prevent becoming a victim

It is difficult to completely stop the threat but there are some things you can do to prevent the risk of catalytic converter theft:

• Park your car in a garage or secure area if possible.
• Park in well-lit and busy areas.
• If you have a fleet of cars, consider defensive parking. This is where you block high clearance vehicles with low clearance ones to restrict the access underneath.
• If your catalytic converter is ‘bolt on’ consider having the bolts welded shut.
• Be aware of anyone looking underneath or working on cars in your area.
• Use a security marking kit to register your catalytic converter. For more information on this and other safety tips please visit www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/driving-roads-and-vehicles/catalytic-converter-theft/

Have you been a victim of this crime or seen suspicious activity?

Please call 101 quoting incident 49 of 2 December 2020.

If you have information, you can remain completely anonymous by reporting to CrimeStoppers online or call 0800 555 111.