Police warn Portsmouth motorists after spate of of catalytic converter thefts
POLICE have warned motorists following a spate of catalytic converter thefts in Portsmouth.
Hampshire police revealed there had been at least six incidents in the last month.
The thefts, which took place between June 19 and July 8, happened in Chewter Close, Ranelagh Road, Butcher Street, Clarence Parade, Hanway Road and Rockrose Way.
Five of the vehicles targeted were Toyota Prius, but the most recent vehicle was a Honda Accord.
A police statement said: ‘Thieves steal catalytic converters for the valuable metals they can contain, which are extracted and sold on. Vehicles with a higher chassis are often targeted.’
Police advice to vehicle-owners includes:
Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park in a well-lit and well-populated area If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing your bonnet towards a wall, if possible Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road Look out for people working under cars. If you see anything suspicious, call the police If your catalytic converter is ‘bolted on’, you can have the bolts welded shut Identify/etch your converter with a unique mark or serial number Consider using cat clamps - a cage that surrounds your catalytic converter to prevent it being unbolted Consider installing security lighting/CCTV on your drive or covering your parking space
More details can be found at www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-from-a-vehicle/vehicle-safe-and-sound/
People are urged to call 101 or 999 if they witness suspicious activity or think a crime is in progress, or go to www.hampshire.police.uk.