Campaign launched as catalytic converter thefts rise in East Midlands

A campaign is being launched in a bid to tackle catalytic converter thefts that are on the rise in the East Midlands region.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Crimestoppers campaign has been launched in a bid to to help anonymously catch the culprits.

The week-long campaign, supported by the Neighbourhood Watch Network, will reach out to people who know or suspect individuals involved in this lucrative crime, to remind them that they can contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously with the information they may have, however small.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The rising value of precious metals found in catalytic converters, such as rhodium and palladium, which are often more expensive than gold, means that converters can often sell for more than £500 on the black market.

Campaign launched as catalytic converter thefts rise in East Midlands regionSubmitCampaign launched as catalytic converter thefts rise in East Midlands regionSubmit
Campaign launched as catalytic converter thefts rise in East Midlands regionSubmit

And the demand to replace stolen catalytic converters with cheaper second hand ones has increased.A catalytic converter is located in a car’s exhaust system. It cleans exhaust gases before they leave an exhaust pipe and all new cars sold in Europe since 1993 by law must be fitted with one.

Converters in hybrid cars often contain even more expensive, uncorroded metals.East Midlands regional manager at Crimestoppers, Lydia Patsalides, said: “With an increase in people working from home or being furloughed because of the pandemic, thieves are taking full advantage of this, as more cars are parked in driveways or on the street during the day.

"We know there have been cases where criminals, who work very quickly, have threatened victims who have tried to confront them and some drivers have been repeatedly targeted.“We know it can be difficult to speak up about crime, especially if it’s about someone you know.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Please remember you can speak to Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously and you will be doing the right thing, to keep your community safe from crime.

"For 33 years since our charity started, thousands of people have contacted us daily with their crime information.”

Call Crimstoppers UK Contact Centre 24/7 on 0800 555 111 for free, or complete a simple, secure anonymous online form at Crimestopers-uk.org

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together.