Hastings and Rye events to protect against catalytic converter theft

Motorists are being encouraged to book in for free property marking events in Hastings and Rye to protect their vehicles against catalytic converter theft.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Apr 2021, 16:14 BST
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Police

The National Police Chief Council and British Transport Police are running a targeted week of action to raise awareness of catalytic converter theft and offering crime prevention advice to help car owners protect their cars from theft.

Across Sussex the number of catalytic converter thefts has increased. Criminals are stealing the catalytic converters for the precious metals contained within them, some of which can be worth more than gold.

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A catalytic converter can be removed within minutes and will usually require the help of a jack to raise the car off the ground. The thieves don’t work alone and sometimes the criminals will wear high-vis vests to fool onlookers that they are carrying out repairs to the vehicle.

This week police officers will be at garages across Sussex offering free catalytic converter forensic marking with SmartWater. SmartWater is a liquid with a unique forensic code which is detectable under a UV light and can lead to the detection of crime and reunite people with their stolen property.

On Wednesday April 21 (tomorrow) the free sessions will take place at SLM Toyota St Leonards, 3 John Macadam Way, between 10am and 4pm.

Due to social distancing, these sessions are by appointment only. To book, call the front office of Hastings Police Station on 101, extension 560280.

Sessions will also take place at Rye Performance and Motorsport in Rye on Thursday (April 22) and Friday (April 23) between 11am and 1pm on both days.

No appointment is necessary.