Suffolk Police Community Safety Unit
Catalytic Converter thefts
37 Catalytic Converters have been taken from motor vehicles across Suffolk since 1st June 2014. Ford Rangers and have been most commonly targeted, followed by Mitsubishi L200s and Toyota Hilux / HiAce vehicles; accounting for almost two-thirds of the thefts.
Where are the offences occuring?
• Offences are predominantly occurring in the western area of Suffolk, primarily along the A14 corridor. Offenders are possibly entering / leaving the county into Cambridgeshire.
• There is also a cluster of offences in northwest Ipswich.
• Recent thefts have occurred in the east – Saxmundham and Hollesley
• No offences have been reported from Essex, but Cambridgeshire have also seen catalytic converter thefts on similar dates – with 12 offences between 1st and 11th July – although there is little overlap in targeted vehicle type.
Times and days of offences
• Victims generally report they parked their vehicles between around 1730hrs and 1930hrs, then discovered the theft when starting their engines again at around 0600-0800hrs the following morning.
• One victim reports hearing the sound of a truck leaving the street at 0305hrs. Offences have most commonly occurred on late Tues - early Wed and late Mon - early Tues.
• 23 of the 37 offences occurred during the hours of darkness: 19 ‘overnight’ and 4 in the early hours of the morning.
• Only one was reported to have occurred during the daytime, and 13 offences occurred over a period greater than 24hrs.
How are the catalytic converters removed?
The majority of vehicles are vans, pickups or people carriers with higher ground clearance. There is no indication of the vehicles being jacked up or otherwise moved to gain access. The catalytic converters have all been cut from the exhaust system, with only one exception, where the catalytic converter was unbolted from a “very old” van. These are generally described as being very clean and indicative of an exhaust- or pipe-cutter, being used rather than a hacksaw.
How do I protect my vehicle?
o Park your vehicle in a locked and secure garage/compound at all times.
o The use of alarms, lighting and CCTV should be considered to deter thieves.
o If this isn’t possible park in a well-lit, public area.
o 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.
o Look out for people ‘working’ under vehicles as they may not be the owners or lease holders, even if they have fluorescent jackets on.
o Mark your catalytic converter by etching your vehicle registration onto the metal shell, or by using a Secured By Design (SBD) approved forensic marking solution which is a heat-resistant paint. This makes it easier for police to trace the converter back to your vehicle should it ever be stolen, and links offenders to a crime.
o Consider fitting additional security on your vehicle(s) by installing an SBD approved converter security product, such as a clamp.
o Please visit the SBD website www.securedbydesign.com for more information on police approved security products.
Catalytic Converter marking sessions
Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) are running catalytic converter marking sessions across the county in partnership with local garages. If you would like more information on events in your area contact your local SNT by calling the Suffolk Police non emergency number 101