Week-long crackdown targets catalytic convertor thieves

A week-long crackdown on catalytic convertor thefts has led to a decline in offences across Staffordshire.

Part of a national crackdown on the offences led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), the week of action ran between April 19 and 23.

NPCC figures show catalytic converter theft has risen by 64 per cent nationally during 2020, when compared with 2019. This is linked to the exponential rise in the price of rare metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium used in their manufacture.

The NPCC are working closely with manufacturers and key stakeholders to ‘design out’ this type of crime.

The week was led by Staffordshire Police’s senior investigator for this type of crime, Chief Inspector Dave Wain, and there was an increased police presence in hotspots to try and deter thieves from striking.

He said: “There was a significant amount of targeted pro-active work based on intelligence.

“We had extra officers engaged in patrolling hotspots for this type of crime, including patrols in the early hours of the morning, which is when a large number of offences seem to be happening.”

The national week of action also led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Derbyshire in connection with a number of offences in Burton which officers are now investigating.

“There was a significant reduction in catalytic convertor crimes over the past week, which we are pleased with, but the public should remain vigilant,” Dave added.

For further security advice please visit the Staffordshire Police website. To report a crime or suspicious behaviour, send a direct message to Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.