More catalytic converter thefts in Swanage

Purbeck Police are warning that vehicles in Swanage are currently being targeted by catalytic converter thieves.

The latest incidents happened overnight between Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th May 2021 in North Swanage.

Advertisement 

Purbeck Police reported:

“Swanage – Theft of catalytic converters has occurred overnight in the Bay Crescent and Redcliffe Road areas of Swanage. Police are continuing to make enquiries, please report anything suspicious on 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.”

Catalytic converters are positioned under a vehicle and contain precious metals. Thieves are taking advantage of the rising value of this metal, using cordless power tools and a car jack to remove them. This can be done in under a minute.

Police officer at Scrap metal yard
Dorset Police

“Visiting scrap metal dealerships in Dorset”

Recently, Dorset Police, Environment Agency and Trading Standards, said that they were coordinating their efforts against this type of theft:

“We are working with the automotive industry to property mark catalytic converters and have been visiting scrap metal dealerships in Dorset to inform them of the measures that we are taking, so that they can work with us to stop this crime.”

Catalytic converters
Dorset Police

Prevention measures

Vehicle owners can make it harder for thieves to steal a catalytic converter with these measures:

  • Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area.
  • Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the catalytic converter (usually towards the front of the car) being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult.
  • Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter.
  • If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath.
  • If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars. With other vehicles around, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it.

More advice is available on the Dorset Police website

Watch Dorset Police video

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

RNLI treat injured woman on paddle steamer returning to Swanage A RNLI volunteer undertook a tricky manoeuvre to get back to his lifeboat in Poole Bay in Dorset after treating an injured passenger on the historic paddle steamer the Waverley. 3 weeks ago TV star backs RNLI campaign after terrifying ordeal at Durdle Door 4 weeks ago Tourist dies after medical emergency on Swanage beach 1 month ago New Swanage home for 130 year old loco saved from scrap yard 4 weeks ago Swanage family have lucky escape from night time blaze 1 month ago

Most recent

Swanage ice cream kiosk business up for grabs The chance to sell ice cream and snacks along Swanage seafront in Dorset is being offered to businesses, along with other opportunities on Swanage Town Council owned land including the ... 14 hours ago Empty nesters hope for return of Purbeck ospreys in 2024 2 days ago Time Team digs for answers about Iron Age Purbeck 3 days ago Swanage fete profits help disaster relief effort in Morocco and Libya 4 days ago Purbeck ploughs on with making homes greener 5 days ago