Appeal after catalytic converter thefts

18 February 2013

Police are urging van and 4x4 drivers to take crime reduction measures following the theft of a number of catalytic converters from vehicles in east Suffolk over the past few days.

Between 5pm on Friday 15 and 10am on Saturday 16 February catalytic converters were cut and stolen from a Ford Ranger parked on a driveway on Harrisons Lane and a Mitsubishi pick-up at The Paddocks in Halesworth.

Between 6pm on Friday 15 and 9am on Saturday 16 February catalytic converters were cut and stolen from a Toyota Hilux and a Fiat Ducato camper van at Park Walk in Holton.

Ford Rangers in Gypsy Lane, Frostenden, and Hawthorn Close, Knodishall; Mitsubishi Warriors in Kings Road, Bungay, and Burches Close, Knodishall; and a Toyota Hilux in Seaward Avenue, Leiston, were similarly targeted the same night.

Suffolk Police recommend getting your catalytic converter marked and also advise:

• Private vehicles should be kept in a well-secured garage where possible, and if no garage is available, in a well-lit, public area
• Vehicles can be parked in such a way as to make access to the catalytic converter difficult, or parallel with another vehicle if you own one
• Commercial vehicles should also be kept in a locked building or compound
• Use appropriate alarms, lighting and CCTV to deter thieves.

Anyone with any information about these incidents should call Suffolk Police on 101 or if you see any suspicious activity near vehicles please dial 999.