Spate of catalytic converter thefts in Epsom and Ewell

At least 14 of the vehicle components were reported stolen in the borough between Saturday January 6-Friday January 17, Surrey Police said.

Cars on Horton Lane in Epsom and Ruxley Lane in Ewell were among the locations hit by the thieves.

The vehicles targeted are predominantly Lexus RX, Toyota Prius, and Honda Jazz, police said, adding that the "majority" of the thefts "have happened during the daylight hours."

Catalytic converters are components attached to car exhausts that help regulate emissions of the vehicle.

They are often made using alloys that include precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Police advice suggests that older vehicles were more likely to contain such metals as newer manufacturing guidelines resulted in less vehicles now being fitted with highly valuable metal.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police added that the force were investigating possible links between the thefts.

"We are continuing to work hard to establish if any of the reports are linked.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

"Thieves are attracted by the potential to steal the valuable metals palladium and rhodium.

"The best way to prevent theft is to make access to your car’s converter as inconvenient and difficult as possible," they said.

Surrey Police meanwhile issued a bullet-point list of simple ways to protect one's vehicle from such thefts.

• Park in as well-lit areas where possible.
• Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public car parks. This leaves your vehicle in a location where many people can see it.
• If you have a garage use it and keep it locked.
• Consider CCTV if your vehicle is parked on your driveway or a RING-type device.
• Adjust the security system on your car or have one installed that will activate upon vibration, such as those produced by a saw.
• Install a catalytic converter-specific security device, such as ‘ARMACAT’ or ‘CATLOC’ - https://blog.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft-how-to-protect-your-car
• Consider ID Etching - Etching a catalytic converter with a serial number will help police track a stolen converter and overtly advertising that a vehicle is protected by property marking may also deter offenders as it will potentially reduce the opportunities for selling on the converters at reputable scrap metal dealers. More information on ID etching can be found at www.retainagroup.co.uk
• Consider welded bolts - If a catalytic converter is a ‘bolt on’ it is possible to have the bolts welded shut. This is only a deterrent to the lowest grade of catalytic converter thief working with a wrench but may still be enough of a deterrent to help prevent a theft.
• Report suspicious activity to the Police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

Anyone with information about the thefts can contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.