Force reduces catalytic converter thefts to zero

Police say catalytic converter thefts have dropped generally, but reduced to zero in Herefordshire over the past seven months

Catalytic converter thefts have been reduced to zero over the past seven months after handing out marking kits, a police force says.

West Mercia Police distributed the kits and shared advice last November at a talk in Hereford attended by 200 people.

In the seven months from December 2022 to June 2023, 22 thefts were reported in Herefordshire, totalling about £20,000.

Since November the force said it had recorded no further thefts of the exhaust system filtering devices.

Catalytic converter thefts rose during lockdown amid a surge in the value of precious metals they contain, such as platinum and rhodium.

PC John Meek said, while offences for the crime had decreased generally it was "great news" to see the rate drop to zero in Herefordshire.

He recommended keeping vehicles in a garage where possible, or to install motion-activated lighting on driveways.

Catalytic converters could be marked with traceable liquid and fitted locks were available, he added.