Current timestamp: 06/02/2023 01:03:47
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

nwp_logo_transparent

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • How to tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

Catalytic Converter Thefts

Main article content

Navigation

News

16:23 26/04/2022

Following a recent spike in catalytic converter thefts, we are urging everyone to be vigilant around vehicle security.

An emerging series of these thefts has been noted in North Wales, along with the neighbouring force areas of Cheshire and West Mercia.

Since January of this year, 15 incidents have been logged across the districts of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire.

Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted.

They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.

T/Chief Inspector Gavin Gilmore said: "We are currently seeing an increase in the theft of catalytic converters across our force area.

"Precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium are used in catalytic converters and we know these are sought after by thieves.

"The price of these metals has risen sharply in recent years and has led to an increase in theft offences.

“Several converter thefts have involved Japanese vehicles, particularly the Honda Jazz model of car.

“While we would ask drivers of this vehicle model to take extra care, we are warning all vehicle owners to be aware of the threat posed by opportunistic thieves.

“The most recent report we have dealt with is believed to have occurred overnight on Sunday, 24 April at an address on Whalley’s Way, Acrefair.

“We are appealing for witnesses to that incident and for anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage to make a report via 101, quoting incident number B058050.

“I would also urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles to act quickly and report it to us.”

Officers investigating these incidents believe that a recent spate of thefts from inside parked vehicles may be linked to the same offenders.

Although catalytic converter thefts are increasing nationwide, there are steps that you can take to protect your vehicle. 

To keep your catalytic converter safe, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold.

Alternatively, try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle, park it in a secure compound.

If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves.

Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.

You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of it.

If you have been a victim of this type of theft you can report incidents via our online service: Report | North Wales Police or by calling 101.

For further advice on keeping your vehicle secure visit: Catalytic converter theft | North Wales Police

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

North Wales Police

  • Contact us
  • Live chat
  • Find a police station
  • Your area
  • Careers
  • About us
  • News
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookies
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention advice
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Stats and data
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Thanks and complaints

Partners

  • Police and Crime Commissioner
  • Police.uk
  • Ask the police

Language

  • Cymraeg

Follow us on

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.