13
Mar
2014
By Calvin at 13:48 GMT, 12 years ago
West Mercia Police have confirmed that efforts to tackle a rise in thefts of catalytic converters in the Malvern area has seen a significant reduction in the number of offences taking place.
Catalytic converters are stolen from vehicles due to the value of the precious metals they contain, such as platinum and palladium. The Malvern area saw a sudden increase in thefts over the winter, with 58 converters stolen between November and January.
In response, the Malvern Hills Safer Neighbourhood Teams launched an operation to deter thieves. Extra patrols are being conducted in the area and they are undertaking other intelligence-led operations to deter, tackle and prosecute offenders.
They also launched a campaign to get members of the public to protect their vehicles, including marking events in Malvern and Tenbury in February.
Funded by the Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership, they purchased forensic marking kits, which once applied to converter means it has a unique code that can be traced back to its vehicle if it is stolen.
Their efforts led to a sudden drop off in the numbers of thefts through January and February:
Inspector Steph Brighton, who leads the Malvern Hills Safer Neighbourhood Teams, said: “It would appear we have seen success through the combination of increased and focused police resources and passing on crime prevention messages to the public through the media, social media and at events.
“Last week, a suspected catalytic converter thief was arrested and 12 catalytic converters were recovered along with a quantity of cash. This person is now on police bail pending further inquiries and subject to restrictive bail conditions, which will be rigorously enforced.
“However, we know our efforts have to continue to ensure the thieves do not return. We will always rely on the public to take steps to protect their property and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.
"I'd like to thank the public for their willingness to engage with the problem and take steps to protect their vehicles - I am sure their efforts have contributed to this fall in crime."
Future Marking Events
Targeted patrols will continue as will the marking events, with the next one taking place on Saturday 29 March at The Cob House Fisheries (WR6 6YE), Wichenford from 10am until 2pm.
So far an estimated 160 vehicles have been examined to determine suitability for marking (some converters’ placement means they are not able to be marked).
Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/vehicle-and-bike-security/505/motor-vehicle-security/
Press Release: West Mercia Police http://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/news-articles/police-campaign-stops-catalytic-converter-thefts-in-malvern.html
