Police Officers in Spelthorne are warning car owners to be vigilant after a spate of recent targeted catalytic converter thefts.

In particular Peugeot and Citroen petrol cars which are usually fitted with two catalytic converters are being targeted by thieves mainly operating in large car parks such as supermarkets in the area.

 

A red Citroen C8 which was parked in Tesco’s car park on Staines Road West, Sunbury-on-Thames was targeted on Friday, 21 January along with a blue Peugeot 807 parked in the car park at Two Rivers Retail Park, Staines on Saturday, 22 January.

 

Spelthorne Neighbourhood Inspector Sarah Greenhalgh, said: “Each time a catalytic converter is stolen from a vehicle it costs the owner over £1,000 to replace as well as the inconvenience of taking and leaving the car in a garage to be repaired.

 

“Catalytic converters are being targeted purely because of their scrap value and these vehicles that usually have two catalytic converters fitted are obviously becoming a prime target for these criminals.

 

“Many people don’t know that the catalytic converter has been removed from their vehicle until they are driving and realise that the vehicle is making an unusually loud noise which shows how serious the consequences of these thefts could be.

 

“Owners of any vehicle should remain vigilant and not leave their vehicles at risk but particularly owners of these makes and model of car.”

 

Similar thefts have been reported in Elmbridge and Runnymede.

 

If you have any information about the thefts or if you know of someone buying or selling catalytic converters and can help officers please contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference SL/11/576.

 

For more information about keeping your car safe visit the Surrey Police website at www.surrey.police.uk.

Photo courtesy of conhunter's flickr stream.