Theft from Motor Vehicle - East Hampshire

Alert message sent 14/04/2021 19:01:00

Information sent on behalf of Hampshire Constabulary

Dear Resident,

Please be aware that over the last 24hours we have had three catalytic converter thefts across East Hampshire.

The thefts occurred in Farthing Field, Headley, Benhams Lane, Greatham and Beechwood Road in Alton. Two were from Honda CRVs and one from a VW Beetle but believe most vehicles can be targeted.

If you have any information or if you have been a victim of this crime please call us on 101. Alternatively, you can report this online via the Hampshire Constabulary website by following this link: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ or completely anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by following this link: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Catalytic converter theft is closely linked to the prices of Rhodium and Palladium which are contained within the converters. The prices of these metals increased during 2020 and this is what we believe has contributed to the number of increasing thefts.

Catalytic converters on hybrid Hondas and Toyotas are particularly vulnerable because their converters are cleaner and therefore the valuable metals contained within them are less likely to corrode. They are also easier to access on hybrid vehicles. However, as stated, these are not the only vehicles that are being targeted.

Catalytic converters can be stolen within a few minutes by using just a few basic tools, but there are ways you can protect your vehicle if, like many people, you don’t have access to a garage:

• Find out where your catalytic converter is located on your car; if it’s at the front of your car, park with the bonnet towards a wall if possible
• If it’s at the back, park it with your exhaust to the wall
• If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and incorporating wall
• Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for get under your car
• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove
• Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter so that if it is stolen and then recovered, we can get your car converter back to you
• You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove
• Speak to your dealership or garage about the possibility of adding a tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter
• If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations
• In the event your cat converter is stolen, please report online via our website and include any markings so that we can identify your converter if it’s recovered

Regards, John.
PCSO 13456 PAYNE

Message sent by

John Payne (Police, PCSO, East Ha)

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