Norwich Airport park and ride targeted by thieves

The crime spree, which began last year, has seen the car parts sawn off three Honda Jazz cars belonging to NHS workers in the car park of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and similar thefts at car parks at the UEA.

Now thieves have turned to the car park at Norwich Airport Park and Ride to pinch the parts which have soared in value over the last year due to an extraordinary rise in the price of precious metals contained within the converters.

Thefts have also been reported across wider Norfolk including from cars parked outside homes in Norwich, Trowse, Great Yarmouth, Thetford and Diss.

In one incident two cars were targeted while parked in the Costessey Park and Ride.

Following the latest incidents police have increased patrols at the park and ride in an attempt to deter thieves.

Since the increased patrols a police spokeswoman says there have been no further reports of thefts.

To avoid being caught police have suggested those who use the targeted areas regularly consider getting their catalytic converter marked at a garage.

Officers say the criminals carry cutting tools and wear high-visibility jackets, and say drivers should avoid parking with their wheels elevated to thwart criminals.

Norwich police officer sergeant Jason Ellis said: "Recently our county has been hit hard with catalytic converter thefts.

"It's mainly in large car parks, it will look like normal vehicle maintenance, but it isn't."

It is thought the increase in thefts is being driven by one metal in particular – rhodium – which has rocketed in price from around £2,200 per ounce at the start of 2019 to £8,769, meaning a couple of ounces cost more than a new car.

There were 394 catalytic converter thefts in Norfolk in 2020, the most recent figures available, which was more than a threefold increase on the previous 12 months.