CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT – PREVENTION & REASSURANCE

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT – PREVENTION & REASSURANCE

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT – PREVENTION & REASSURANCE

Dear Resident,

As your local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), I am writing to provide reassurance and advice following concerns regarding catalytic converter thefts in the local area.

Catalytic converters can be targeted by criminals because they contain valuable metals and can sometimes be removed from vehicles within minutes. We are encouraging residents to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

How you can protect your vehicle

Where possible, park your vehicle in a secure, well-lit location, preferably on a driveway or in a garage.

Consider parking in a way that makes it more difficult for thieves to access the underneath of your vehicle.

If your vehicle has a particularly vulnerable catalytic converter, consider having it security-marked or fitted with an approved protective device.

Check whether your vehicle manufacturer offers additional security measures or has identified your vehicle as particularly vulnerable.

Consider installing a dashcam or CCTV system where appropriate.

Be aware of anyone behaving suspiciously around parked vehicles and report concerns promptly.

Do not leave valuable items visible inside your vehicle.

If you see something suspicious

If you see a person or vehicle acting suspiciously around parked cars, please report it rather than approaching or confronting them.

For an emergency or crime in progress, call 999.

For non-emergency concerns or information about suspected criminal activity, contact 101 or report it online through the Metropolitan Police website.

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, report the crime to police and contact your vehicle insurer as soon as possible.

You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.

Visit Secured by Design or Sold Secure Gold for more details

Reassurance

Your local policing team is aware of concerns surrounding vehicle-related crime and will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols, reassurance visits and community engagement where appropriate.

We also encourage residents to remain vigilant and to share information with neighbours. Working together with our local community can help prevent crime and make our neighbourhood safer.

If you have any concerns regarding catalytic converter theft or vehicle security in your area, please speak to your local policing team.

Stay vigilant, stay safe and report suspicious activity.

Kind regards,

Gascoigne NPT Team

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Malvina Carvalho
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Gascoigne Ward)