Catalytic converter thefts in Spalding area

Police are investigating five incidents of thefts/attempted thefts of catalytic converters.

The cars were targeted in Cowbit, Swineshead, Holbeach St Johns,Willesby Road in Spalding, and Boston.

Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system of vehicles. They are a target for thieves as they are coated in a metal that has a high value.

Thieves cut the catalytic converter from a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers.

A police spokesman said: "Please be aware if you are offered a second-hand converter, handling stolen goods is a serious offence and attracts a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment. You have a responsibility to test the provenance of anything you buy."

What you can do to protect your property?

It is difficult to completely stop the threat but there are some things you can do to prevent the risk of catalytic converter theft:

• Park your car in a garage or secure area if possible.
• Park in well-lit and busy areas.
• If you have a fleet of cars, consider defensive parking. This is where you block high clearance vehicles with low clearance ones to restrict the access underneath.
• If your catalytic converter is ‘bolt on’, consider having the bolts welded shut.
• Be aware of anyone looking underneath or working on cars in your area.
• Use a security marking kit to register your catalytic converter.

For more information on this and other safety tips, visit www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/driving-roads-and-vehicles/catalytic-converter-theft/

Have you seen any suspicious activity?

If you see a crime in progress, please call 999. If you have information to assist police enquiries, please call 101, quoting the relevant incident number.

• Cowbit – incident 159 of December 30, reported at 12.27pm.
• Swineshead – incident 416 of December 30, reported at 9.32pm.
• Holbeach St Johns – incident 14 of December 31, reported at 12.49am.
• Woodthorpe Avenue in Boston – incident 423 of December 30, reported at 10.09pm.
• Willesby Road in Spalding – incident 447 of December 30, reported at 11.17pm.

Alternatively, if you have information, you can remain completely anonymous by reporting to CrimeStoppers online or call 0800 555111.

If you’ve been the victim of crime, support is available, whether you have reported the crime to the police or not. Victim Lincs provide free, confidential advice and guidance, as well as access to specialist emotional support services. Visit victimlincs.co.uk or call 01522 947510 Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm.