Thieves target vehicles in Cherwell area for catalytic converter thefts

The two vehicles were targeted yesterday afternoon, Saturday June 27, in the Kings End area of Bicester.

The first vehicle targeted was located in the Blenheim Drive (crime occurrence number 43200193081) area around 2.30pm and the second vehicle was targeted between 1 and 6pm in nearby Ashby Road (crime occurrance number 43200193274.)

Police have anyone with information about the thefts to call police on 101 quoting the relevant occurance numbers.

TVP have also issued advice in connection to the theft of catalytic converts.

Cars which are often targeted are those with higher chassis, such as a 4x4 or a SUV, however, other cars can be targeted, as occurred yesterday (Saturday June 27) afternoon in Bicester.

To reduce the risk of a catalytic convertor being stolen, you should:

- Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn't an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area.

- Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult.

- Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter.

- If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing the bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it.

- If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath.

- If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.

- Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter.

- You can purchase a "cage clamp", which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove.

- Speak to your dealership about the possibility of adding a tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter.

If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the police straight away. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

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