A joint police operation to tackle catalytic converter theft resulted in a thousand stolen ‘cats’ being recovered, plus more than 50 people being arrested.
Coordinated by the British Transport Police, the operation saw forces come together alongside the Joint Unit for Waste Crime. They carried out enforcement action, intelligence-led site visits, forensic marking and educational events.
Catalytic converters clean harmful gases before they exit a vehicle’s exhaust pipe, but may be stolen for the precious metals they contain. According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the value of these metals has increased recently, sparking the interest of organised criminal gangs.
Between 19 and 23 April, police officers visited 926 sites, including catalytic converter processing plants, scrap metal dealers, vehicle dismantlers and catalytic converter buyers.
They also made 56 arrests, stopped 664 vehicles, recovered 1,037 stolen catalytic converters and 297 items of stolen property, and identified 244 offences.
During the week, the police also held catalytic converter marking demonstrations to help drivers protect their vehicles, with 1,610 cars being marked by officers
Making it harder to sell stolen metals
“The positive results from this week are testament to why it’s vital we join forces to share information and specialist knowledge to disrupt those operating in this area of crime,” said Charlie Doyle of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
“By taking a multi-agency approach, we are maximising our ability to identify those who are involved in catalytic converter theft, making it harder for them to sell stolen metal and gain from their criminal activities.”
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