Police and council launch drive to cut catalytic converter thefts

The converters on vans and lorries help cut exhaust emissions but the precious metal they contain – usually platinum – has increasingly been attracting the attention of thieves.

The crooks cut off exhaust systems and weigh them in at scrap yards for about £100.

East Riding Council – itself a victims of thefts – and Humberside Police are trying to tackle the crime by offering businesses the chance to mark their converters with a unique identity tag which can be traced back to owners. Once fitted, the details are kept by police, meaning thieves stealing marked converters run a greater risk of being caught and charged.

Councillor Jackie Cracknell said: “This crime has far-reaching consequences for businesses and communities and even the council itself has not been immune to it, with a number of vehicles being put out of action costing taxpayers’ money to repair and affecting service delivery.

“The catalytic converter-marking kits are a way for the council and Humberside Police to fight back and we would encourage businesses to apply for these free kits.”

PCSO Nick Overton added: “Humberside Police recommends that businesses review their security and contact us on 101 if they need any assistance from the local policing teams.

“I would also ask businesses to be more vigilant and report any suspicious vehicle or people and consider setting up a business collaboration network in areas where there is a high volume of businesses which could in effect act as a neighbourhood watch for businesses.”

Businesses can apply for a supply of free catalytic converter-marking kits by sending an email to [email protected] giving their names, addresses and contact telephone numbers and how many vehicles with catalytic converters they use.