Police are investigating a spate of catalytic converter thefts and attempted thefts in the Salisbury area.
In the past week, four incidents were reported – two thefts and two attempted thefts:
Between Wednesday, July 22 and Saturday, July 25- a catalytic converter was stolen from a Honda Jazz in Norfolk Road. Witnesses reported seeing a male under the car who then drove off in a blue/grey Audi.
On Friday, July 24 in to Saturday, July 25- someone attempted to remove a catalytic converter from a Honda Jazz in Maplecroft but failed as they were disturbed before doing so.
On Saturday, July 25– one was stolen from a Honda Jazz in Harnwood Road, and on Saturday July 25, someone with a torch was seen under a Honda Jazz on Orchard Road, Redlynch. A cutting noise was heard but they were disturbed and ran off before the converter was removed.
PC James Barrett said: “We have noticed that the Honda Jazz model appears to have been targeted in the past few days and we would urge anyone with this type of car to be extra vigilant, but be mindful when it comes to the safety of their vehicle – whatever the model.
“To help reduce the risk of your catalytic converter being stolen from your vehicle:
- Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area
- Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult
- Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter
- If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing your bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it
- If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath
- If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.
- Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter
- You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove
- If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations
“If you have any information relating to incidents around the city, call 101.”