Drivers warned over catalytic converter thefts from Toyotas on driveways

Officers are warning drivers to be vigilant after a number of catalytic converters were stolen from Toyotas parked on driveways in Tamworth.

Police were called on Thursday (10 March) at around 9.50pm, after a catalytic converter was stolen from a white Toyota Auris, parked on a drive at an address near Pennymoor Road.

Witnesses reported that two men, wearing black balaclavas and black clothing, had approached the car and used a jack to remove the converter.

Both men were then seen getting into a black Volksawgen Golf, with no registration plates, before driving off in the direction of Pennine Way.

Around ten minutes later, a catalytic converter was reported stolen from a red Toyota Auris parked at a property near Pennymoor Road.

Police were then called to an address near Pennine Way at 10.10pm after a converter had been stolen from a red Toyota Presis.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the areas at the time of the thefts and urge anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch.

Contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 769 of 10 March.

In order to protect yourself and your vehicle from the risk of catalytic converter thefts, officers recommend that you:
• Park your car in a locked garage or a well-lit area, covered by CCTV
• When using public car-parks, park alongside other cars with your bonnet towards the wall
• Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road
• If there is a fleet of vehicles – park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles
• Consider the use of a driveway alarm or sensor
• If your convertor is bolted on, ask for your local garage to weld the bolts or ask a trained mechanic to mark it
• Purchase a ‘cage clamp’ to make it more difficult to remove
• Report suspicious activity to police immediately.

Chief Inspector Rob Neeson, of the Tamworth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We encourage vehicle owners to take the necessary steps to protect their vehicles and urge anyone who notices any suspicious activity to report it as soon as possible.

“When parking, try to ensure you are in an area covered by CCTV – where officers can work to establish key information to help trace and apprehend those responsible.”