Catalytic converter theft has dropped by a significant 95% across Cambridgeshire due to the combined efforts of vigilant residents and police teamwork, according to Cambridgeshire Constabulary. The decrease in crime is attributed to members of the community reporting suspicious activities to police officers, who are familiar with the way thieves operate and can provide an immediate response.
Since the start of April, only six catalytic converter thefts have been recorded, a stark contrast to the 3.8 thefts per day during the first quarter of the year (January-March). Local policing teams have been proactively working to disrupt organized crime gangs, with support from the police helicopter and the road policing unit to intercept suspects. This has included targeted days of action, weeks of patrols, scrap dealer visits, and free catalytic converter marking dates.
Chief Inspector Paul Rogerson, who oversees catalytic converter theft, said:
“I want to thank members of the public who showed confidence in their local police team by reporting suspicious activity. It is only owing to their quick thinking and the swift reaction of local officers that we have seen such a huge reduction.
Whilst we have disrupted three serious organised crime groups in our area by arresting and remanding individuals, we know other criminals won’t be able to resist the temptation to steal such valuable metal again. So our message is please remain vigilant.”
The thefts have mostly targeted Toyotas and Hondas, but other vehicles, such as Lexus, Mercedes, Mazda, and Volkswagen, have also been singled out. Vehicle owners are encouraged to look out for vehicles jacked up in the middle, listen for the sound of metal being cut, and call 999 to report suspicious activity, sharing the vehicle number plate, make, and model. Providing the make, model, and VRM number of their own vehicle can also be helpful.
Source www.cambs.police.uk
