Northamptonshire Police has identified a recent increase in thefts of catalytic converters (part of the exhaust system) from certain makes of cars. Catalytic converters contain valuable metals and thieves can jack the vehicle up and cut them off in a couple of minutes. This will leave you with a hefty replacement bill or insurance excess fee, not to mention having your vehicle off the road whilst awaiting a replacement part.
As a catalytic converter costs hundreds of pounds to replace, marking it will help de-value it to thieves and make it more difficult to sell on.
Information on the Retainagroup Self-Etching Labels can be found here –
https://www.retainagroup.com/metal-marking.html
Advice for motorists
? TOP TIP Many car dealerships sell locking devices for catalytic converters, for example, CATLOC https://catloc.co.uk/. These tough metal locks cover the catalytic converter to make it too time consuming for thieves to steal it. Check with your dealership for options to fit your vehicle.
? Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as close to your home as possible or in a parking spot overlooked by neighbours. Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this can make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter
? If parking in a public car park, always park alongside other cars and drive into the space as the catalytic converter is positioned towards the front of your vehicle. This will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it. If possible, use ‘Park Mark’ accredited car parks as these have CCTV as part of the accreditation
? Consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm to your vehicle. Alarms that activate if the vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective
For further advice email [email protected]
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Message Sent By
Les Conopo (Police, Community Support Officer, Daventry & South Northants)