Police warning after mid-Derbyshire cat converter thefts

The most recent happened overnight between Sunday, March 9 and Monday, March 10, when a Mitsubishi L200 was targeted on Carter Lane East, South Normanton.

A Ford Ranger parked on New Lane, Hilcote, was also targeted between Tuesday, March 4 and Sunday, March 9, and a Mitsubish L200 parked on Littlemoor Lane, Newton, was targeted overnight between Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4.

Community Safety Inspector Russell Dakin said: “Vehicles with a high ground clearance, such as vans, 4x4s, pick-ups and people carriers are more at risk of this type of crime because it is easier to access the catalytic converter.

“The best advice is to park your vehicle in a secure garage if you have one, or as close to your property as possible. Alternatively, make sure you park in a busy, well lit area.”

Insp Dakin added: “Please contact the police as soon as possible if you notice anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles, or perhaps someone working underneath at a strange time or in a strange place.”

Vehicle owners are also advised to consider security marking their catalytic converter with a forensic fluid or fix a specialised alarm system or security device.

For businesses, the advice is to make sure parking areas are surrounded by a good quality, strong perimeter fencing and to park fleet vehicles safely and defensively.

Firms should also consider installing CCTV or compound alarm systems.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.