A NUMBER of cars in Crowthorne were targeted by thieves last week.
Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles in Hatch Ride, Ellis Road and Wiltshire Avenue overnight between Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 13. They were parked outside the owners’ homes.
Thames Valley Police said that similar thefts have occurred across Wokingham borough, with one car raided while it was in a multi-storey car park.
Currently Honda and Lexus cars seem to be the favourite targets.
Catalytic converters are targeted as precious metals are used to make the actual filters contained within them, so have a good second hand value or otherwise command a good scrap value.
The thieves operate by jacking the rear of a car up so they can slide underneath and then use cordless power tools to cut through the exhaust pipe, completing the theft in a matter of minutes.
To reduce the risk of a car being targeted, owners
• arrange for your car’s dealership to supply and fit security brackets.
• ensure the car alarm always sets as you leave it unattended
• fit a dashcam with motion activation that will record anyone walking up close to your car.
• reverse into parking bays, or up against a wall or fence
• avoid parking in unlit areas.
If you have any information about these thefts or have CCTV or Dashcam footage you are asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101.
Should you not want to speak to a police officer or want to remain anonymous to contact the independent charity “Crimestoppers” on 0800 555 111.
