Lincolnshire motorists urged to get catalytic converters marked to deter thieves
MOTORISTS in Billingborough are being given the opportunity to get their catalytic converters security marked as part of a drive to deter potential thieves.
The Bourne and Billingborough Neighbourhood Policing Team has teamed up with local garages to offer motorists the security marking initiative following an increase in thefts.
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SECURE: Protect your goods by getting them marked
For the second year running the team are supporting the initiative as a deterrent to potential thieves who, they hope, will not want to take an item which will be harder to sell and easier for police to trace.
Sergeant Rachel Blackwell said: "These thefts have become more and more common since the start of the credit crunch in 2008 and high price for precious metals has resulted in a noticeable increase in theft of catalytic converters.
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"Thieves simply cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of vehicles and sell them on to scrap dealers. This crime can be committed in little more than 30 seconds and has a significant financial impact on the vehicle owner - vehicles have to be taken off the road for lengthy periods for repair and the cost to replace a catalytic converter can escalate into £1000s, not to mention the impact this may have on insurance premiums. By having your vehicle marked it will be a deterrent and will make thieves think twice."
Taller vehicles or vehicles with high ground clearance such as 4x4's and transit vans are most vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and so the team have advised that if you have such a vehicle you should consider having it marked.
To take advantage of this offer 4x4 and transit van owners can take their vehicle along to Gary Walton Tyres, Unit 7, White Leather Square Industrial Estate, Billingborough, on March 5 between 1pm and 4.30pm.
All you need to do is bring along your registration document (V5c) for the vehicle being engraved and a driving licence. Appointments are not required.
For more advice contact your Neighbourhood Policing Team at Bourne Police Station or email them at bourne.npt@lincs.pnn.police.uk .
3 Comments
by IT_MAN
Sunday, February 24 2013, 7:55PM
“Thanks nolies, it helps put my mind at rest as long as they don't start drilling fuel tanks to drain fuel as reported in some areas as the damage to tank costs more than the fuel they steal. I hope if they do steal fuel they cause an explosion and make themselves ready for the undertaker.”
by nolies
Sunday, February 24 2013, 11:12AM
“I wouldn't worry it-man,its usually vehicles with high ground clearance like 4x4's with cats that are underneath the engine and so easy to get at,most standard car dont have enough ground clearance to physically allow access without using a jack and the cat is usually fitted behind the radiator like yours and would be very difficult to get access to.Anyway If you own a vehicle with a cat that is easily accessible theres not a lot you can do to secure it except have it marked which doesn't stop someone stealing it.”
by IT_MAN
Sunday, February 24 2013, 1:32AM
“Is it mostly vehicles with cat underneath that is at risk, on the Peugeot 206 and bipper 1.4 HDi they are bolted striaght onto manifold then exhaust goes onto bottom of cat, it is behing radiator and covered with heat shield at top, also got a steel protection plate fitted under engine so I am hoping it is to much trouble to steal, has anyone heard of these being stolen?”