Thames Valley Police is urging vehicle owners to consider security following a spate of thefts of catalytic converters in Milton Keynes.
Officers say that people who own vans, 4 x 4’s, people carriers and other vehicles with a higher ground clearance should consider implementing extra measures.
And cars that have been particularly targeted recently are Honda Jazz, Toyota Prius and Auris.
Police have shared the following advice for all vehicle owners to help safeguard their catalytic converters:
Defensive Parking – Where possible park in your garage. If not try to park next to a high curb or other area that restricts access underneath your vehicle on the side where the exhaust is fitted.. If possible park in a well lit area or consider security lighting.
CCTV – Consider installing a CCTV system to cover your vehicle as a deterrent.
Welded Bolts - If your catalytic converter is a “bolt on” it is possible to have the bolts welded shut.
Catalytic Converter Protective Sleeves/clamps – Consider fitting a specialist protective cover or clamp to your vehicle to make life more difficult for an offender. Contact your vehicle dealership for options.
Alarm System – Consider fitting a specific catalytic converter alarm to warn of any tamper attempts. Some alarms can send a text message to your phone and activate a siren and flashing lights. If possible choose a Thatcham approved product http://orlo.uk/www_thacham_org_qxfAd
Identify/etch your converter - Consider permanently marking your catalytic converter to make it less desirable for criminals to steal and sell on. The RetainaGroup offer a kit consisting of a virtually indestructible sticker, metal marking fluid and a window sticker (to warn thieves that the catalytic converter carries an identification mark). Each mark contains a seven digit code and a 24 hour telephone number for the International Security Register who store the code against vehicle details. A catalytic marking kit can be ordered from the following secure link: http://orlo.uk/www_retainagroup_com_uVvOh or by phoning 01233 333000.
There is also further crime prevention advice on the Thames Valley Police website at http://orlo.uk/www_thamesvalley_police_uk_u8Tk7.
If you have any information on crime, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or Thames Valley Police on 101.
