Police Issue Catalytic Converter Theft Warning

Lincolnshire Police have issued a warning about catalytic converter theft after a number of vehicles in the Horncastle area have been attacked by thieves overnight between Thursday and Friday.

Six 4×4 vehicles including a Mitsubishi L200, a Toyotal Hilux and Ford Rangers were targeted in Prospect Street and Grundy’s Court in Horncastle, Witham Road and Tarleton Avenue in Woodhall Spa and Main Street in Thimbleby.

Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police by dialling 101. Report crimes anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Private motorists and business are asked to be vigilant to suspicious activity and to take whatever steps they can to protect their vehicles.

Advice on Protecting Catalytic Converters

(The first three recommendations apply particularly to business premises, and all recommendations apply to every motorists)

Fencing Around Vehicles – Fencing around the vehicle may act as a deterrent to opportunist catalytic converter thieves.
Defensive Parking – If you have a fleet of vehicles, block those with high clearance using vehicles with low clearance. This will obstruct access underneath the vehicle.
Effective Security Lighting – Good security lighting makes vehicles visible to the street without creating glare and can act to deter the thief.
Garages – Where possible park in your garage.
Welded Bolts – If your catalytic converter is ‘bolt on’ you can have the bolts welded shut.
ID Etching – Etch your converter with a serial number. This will help the police to track your converter should it be stolen.