Etchingham car owners threatened by catalytic converter thieves

The owners had disturbed them in the act of stealing its catalytic converter.

Police said at about 10.30am on Saturday (April 3) owners of a Honda CR-V parked in Vicarage Way, Etchingham, challenged a group of men who were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter from it.

The suspects made threats to harm the owners and made off with the catalytic converter.

Detective Constable Shaun Ryan said: “We are appealing for any witness who either saw or heard anything, and are asking anyone else in the Etchingham area who has CCTV, or video doorbells, to check their footage between 9.30pm and 10.30pm that night for sightings of the suspects or suspicious activity.

“If you can help please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1452 of 03/04.

“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police said the precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft.

Police advise car owners that there are ways to help prevent this type of theft.

Owners should ask their car dealer if they can give any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold.

Alternatively, they try to make sure their vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if they have a commercial vehicle park it in a secure compound.

If this is not possible, they park in an area that is well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter canot be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.

Owners should also register their converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.