Catalytic converter thefts peaked in March 2021, with 3,245
recorded in the UK that month. Thefts have steadily declined since,
with 1,378 recorded in July.
A surge in the price of precious metals saw theft of
catalytic converters become a national issue earlier this year, and
police across the UK joined forces to combat the trend.
In April, British Transport Police (BTP) coordinated
a multi-agency operation
to tackle catalytic converter theft. Over a thousand
stolen catalytic converters were recovered and more than 50 people
were arrested. During the week, over a thousand vehicles were also
forensically marked by officers and partner agencies.
In addition, a national asset database was created to
register catalytic converters, allowing police to identify whether
recovered catalytic converters are stolen.
Catalytic converters are marked with a uniquely formulated
and heat-resistant solution created by SmartWater, which
is linked on the database to a specific vehicle.
SmartWater scientists can identify the vehicle it came from
with just a fragment of the solution, increasing the chance of
thieves being caught.
The database is operated by the Centre for Infrastructure and
Asset Protection (CIAP), an intelligence
unit made up of analysts who are accredited police contractors,
tracking organised crime groups around the UK.
They work with police on the National Infrastructure Crime
Reduction Partnership (NICRP), which is led by BTP,
to reduce and tackle crime.
National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Vehicle Crime,
Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms,
said:
“It’s pleasing to see that we are already seeing positive
results from this multi-agency operation, however we know that
there is still a long way to go.
“Policing and law enforcement agencies will continue to work
with manufacturers and other partners to focus on catalytic
converter theft and ensure that this crime, perceived as low
risk/high-reward is relentlessly targeted, and offenders are
brought to justice.”
National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Metal Crime, BTP
Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle, said:
“We recognise the disruptive and costly impact catalytic
converter theft has on victims, so we’re very pleased that we
are starting to see it decreasing.
“This positive reduction is testament to why it’s vital we join
forces to share information and specialist knowledge to disrupt
those operating in this area of crime.”
NICRP lead and BTP Superintendent, Mark Cleland, said:
“Thanks to the support of the Home Office in creating the
NICRP, our joint working with Smartwater and other industry
partners, and the drive by enforcement partners across the UK,
we have made a real impact in tackling metal and catalytic
converter crime.
“While arrests continue to be made, it is the preventative
approach through the forensic marking of catalytic converters
that gives motorists the opportunity to protect their property
and stop the crime in the first place.”
Director of CIAP, Rachael Oakley, added:
“We’re delighted, but not surprised, that this police
initiative is deterring theft of catalytic converters, as
criminals avoid traceable property, whether it’s vehicle parts,
copper cable or jewellery.
“SmartWater is working with Toyota to protect and forensically
mark catalytic converters - one of the benefits of this is that
it provides irrefutable evidence linking the criminal to the
crime. This has been achieved through accreditation with the
forensic science regulator ensuring the evidence stands up to
scrutiny in a court of law.
“A national network of registration centres will be open
shortly for car owners to register their catalytic converters
for a small fee - contact SmartWater via the website for
further information on locations and times.”
Reports of catalytic converter theft should be made as soon as
possible to increase the chances of detection.
People are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the
police by calling 101, or 999 if an offence is in progress. If
you spot something at a railway station, contact BTP by texting
61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.
Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers online or by
calling 0800 555111.
Notes to editors
Number of catalytic converter thefts reported in the UK in 2021:
|
January
|
2,217
|
|
February
|
3,200
|
|
March
|
3,245
|
|
April
|
2,083
|
|
May
|
2,320
|
|
June
|
1,940
|
|
July
|
1,378
|
Advice on how to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter
theft:
- Ask your dealer for any advice on locks or guards that are
approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure
Gold.
- Mark your catalytic converter with a forensic marker and
register your converter to make it harder for thieves to dispose
of.
- Park your car somewhere well-lit and overlooked, amongst as
many cars as possible. Try to park so the converter can't be
easily reached - close to a wall or fence.
- Look for a ‘Park Mark’ car park, which will ensure the car
park has been assessed and approved for security.
