Police are advising drivers to take action after a spate of catalytic converter thefts in Stevenage.

Three thefts were reported in five days between January 5 and January 10.

On Thursday, January 5, between 8.30am and 5.30pm, offenders stole a catalytic converter from a Toyota Auris on Coreys Mill Lane.

The next catalytic converter to be stolen was from a smart car in Silam Road, at some point between 7pm on Saturday, January 7 and 8am on Monday, January 9.

Finally, on Tuesday January 10, another catalytic converter was stolen from a BMW in Danestrete between 2pm and 7.30pm.

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Verity Soued, Watch Liaison Officer at Hertfordshire police, said:"Catalytic converter thefts have increased due to the precious metals they contain and the high metal prices, with thieves even trying to steal them on the roadside and in car parks during broad daylight.

"They are particularly targeting specific hybrid models such as the pre-2008 Honda Jazz, Toyota Prius (2004-2016) and Toyota Auris (2012-2018)."

She advised drivers to consider taking the following actions:

  • Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb. Reverse park into car parking spaces.
  • If your catalytic converter is bolted on, consider having the bolts welded to make removal difficult.
  • Fit protective coverings on catalytic converters, such as the Toyota-manufactured CATLOC device, for Toyota Prius' made between 2004 and 2009
  • Have your catalytic converter etched or forensically marked and put stickers in the windscreen to say this has been done
  • Look for car parks with a Secured Car Park sign which have recognised levels of security. If you have a garage at home, ensure you use it and lock it properly.

If you have any information relating to the catalytic converter thefts, or if you have captured any relevant footage on your CCTV or doorbell camera, please contact the police non-emergency number 101, quoting the crime number.

These are 41/2577/23 for the Toyota Auris, 41/2622/23 for the smart car, and 41/2711/23 for the BMW.

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, or speak to an operator via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact.

Anonymous information can be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.