Police warning after spate of catalytic converter thefts

Police have issued a warning to members of the public to be vigilant following a series of thefts of catalytic convertors from motor vehicles in Torquay, Newton Abbot and Totnes.

Between Saturday 3 February and Monday 5 February 2018, there were three catalytic converter thefts in Devon.

The converters were stolen whilst vehicles were parked on the street outside the owner’s homes and also from vehicles parked on industrial estates. The vehicles being targeted are mainly Honda Accords.

Officers are advising the public to park their vehicles either under street lights if possible, on driveways or in garages and to avoid leaving vehicles in areas such as industrial estates.

Police have also asked scrap metal merchants to be vigilant if they are offered catalytic converters for sale as thieves will likely target them. Merchants are asked to ensure that they identify the sellers and report to the police.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen catalytic converters or exhausts being transported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting CR/010695/18.