Local Priorities Theft Of Motor Vehicles Message

I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles,  which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Residents have reported a spate of thefts involving Catalytic Converters. Catalytic Converters are typically positioned towards the exhaust outlet and transforms harmful substances emitted from car exhaust into less harmful ones. They only exist on internal combustion engine cars. Though research shows catalytic converter thefts have gone down from just over 7000 in 2021 to just 150 in 2024. Police forces across UK have ramped up preventative measures including reaction of specific database to track thefts as well as implementing forensic technology to catch thieves. Regardless how common or uncommon the cost associated with stolen part can be as high as £2000-3000. To protect your property try to Park your car in locked garage or a well lit areas in public view with rear close to wall or fence, Get your car VIN number etched into the casing of your catalytic converter or ask local garage to weld bolts on catalytic converter or use other commercial anti theft devices making it harder to remove.

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

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