Thieves steal five catalytic converters from cars in Chesterfield in one day

Five catalytic converters have been stolen from cars parked in north Derbyshire in one day.
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Vehicles were targeted in Old Whittington, New Whittington and at Chesterfield train station yesterday afternoon and evening (Tuesday, August 17).

A catalytic converter is a device on vehicle exhausts that reduces the toxic gases and pollutants.

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Precious metals must be used because the converters have to work efficiently enough to meet emissions standards – and this is why they are being stolen.

One of the cars targeted was at Chesterfield railway station car park.One of the cars targeted was at Chesterfield railway station car park.
One of the cars targeted was at Chesterfield railway station car park.

Officers are encouraging motorists to follow these safety tips to protect their catalytic converters:

*If possible, park in a garage or in a position where it would be difficult to access the underside of the vehicle near the exhaust;

*Consider marking the catalytic converter with a serial number to identify it, and register it on sites such as Immobilise;

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*Consider installing protective coverings over the converter, but seek advice from a professional as different makes offer different types which are safe. This may not prevent it from being stolen, but would make it more difficult and slow down the process;

*Install alarms and CCTV;

*Good quality lighting near to your vehicle will improve natural surveillance and can act as a deterrent.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or appearing to be working on a car in a public car park, report it to police.

The cars that are most often targeted are hybrid vehicles, as the catalytic converter is used less frequently. The metals they use are less likely to corrode, meaning they are worth more.

If you have any information about these crimes, contact Derbyshire police on 101 quoting reference 21*463679.