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12:33 11/06/2020
Cheshire Constabulary is urging residents to be vigilant following an increase in catalytic converter thefts.
Since Wednesday 27 May officers have received 12 separate reports of theft incidents involving catalytic converters.
Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Kia cars are particularly being targeted, and although thieves have stolen catalytic converters across Cheshire the most recent incidents occurred in Runcorn, Widnes, Northwich, Ellesmere Port, Chester and Helsby.
Inspector Anton Sullivan, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit, said: “Investigations involving my unit and colleagues from neighbourhood policing teams are ongoing in relation to the thefts and we are following a number of lines of enquiry.
“While the investigations take place I encourage motorists to be vigilant and review any security measures they have in place.
“In recent times offenders have been predominantly targeting hybrid vehicles.
“Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Kia cars have been targeted, but other vehicles may also be at risk.
“Offenders use specialist tools to remove catalytic converters from vehicles and have been doing so in daylight at car parks and other areas where cars are left.
“If you see anyone using tools on cars in such places please let us know as soon as possible.
“I also ask scrap metal dealers to be mindful if they are ever offered catalytic converters or exhaust systems and to contact us if they suspect that they could have been stolen.”
There are a number of steps that motorists can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim, including:
If you have any information about the thefts, or if you see anyone removing catalytic converters or acting suspiciously in your community, please call Cheshire Constabulary on 101.
Alternatively, information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.