A WARNING has been issued to motorists following four catalytic converter thefts within 48 hours in the Malvern area.
The first vehicle was hit on Knapp Way overnight on Friday (November 1).
The following night (Saturday), thieves targeted another less than two miles away on West Malvern Road and caused damage to the fuel tank by jacking the vehicle up.
During the same time another converter was removed from a vehicle nearby in Broadlands Drive and another was stolen from Old Rectory Close in Powick.
PC Dave Wise said it was speculative to suggest the thefts were linked as there was no evidence to support it, however he added the times and locations meant it was a possibility the same offenders could be behind the incidents.
He also provided advice to other motorists to prevent their vehicles being targeted.
“When away from your home try and park in well-lit busy areas.
“This may make your vehicle a less attractive target for a criminal as there is greater chance of them being seen and disturbed or if you can, park your vehicle in a garage.
“Also, stealing a catalytic converter isn’t the quickest of tasks and a good sense of community can help stop a theft in progress.”
He added catalytic converters contained precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium and had a high scrap value.
“Under the new Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, scrap dealers should be checking where these items have been sourced from, keep accurate records and only give payment in cheque to customers with identification.
“Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team are committed to scrutinising local dealers and in general, metal theft is on the decline.”
PC Wise urged anyone who noticed someone they did not recognise working on a neighbour’s car to contact the owner or the police immediately on 101.
The incidents were reported on Malvern Safer Neighbourhoods Team’s Twitter page @MalvernCops where police have also been providing further safety advice.
