Vehicles targeted for catalytic converters

Police are investigating the theft of catalytic converters from nine vehicles in Exmouth and Sidmouth over the weekend.

Thieves singled out people carrier-type vehicles, mostly Ford Galaxy cars, specifically for the converters and exhaust filters. On each occasion the vehicle part was removed with a tool such as a pipe cutter.

In Exmouth four thefts happened from Ford Galaxy vehicles in Salterton Road, Phear Avenue, Phillips Avenue and Withycombe Road. Other vehicles targeted included a Seat Alhambra in Ashleigh Road and a Volkswagen Sharan in Partridge Road.

Three further Ford Galaxys were attacked in Alexandria Road and Winslade Road in Sidmouth with catalytic converters taken from all of them.

The thefts happened between Friday 10 March and Monday 13 March and police are appealing for information from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around any of the targeted vehicles at the time of the offences.

They are also keen to hear from anyone, particularly scrap metal merchants, who has been offered second-hand catalytic converters for sale in the area.

A police spokesman said: “The offenders clearly singled out certain vehicle models, particularly Ford Galaxys, for these thefts which amount to thousands of pounds. Catalytic converters are often a target for thieves who then attempt to sell these high-value materials to scrap metal merchants.

“We would ask owners of such vehicles to remain vigilant and to be aware of the thefts, and for the public to report any suspicious activity to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101@dc.police.uk or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/018498/17.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-org.uk