|
I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Dear Residents,
I have been hearing from other wards that Theft from Motor Vehicle Catalytic converter is back. I am sending this message to you all purely prevention, so you don't have to be a victim.
Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.
Catalytic converter theft most frequently occurs in car parks, but they can happen anywhere. Thieves may then sell these converters via scrapyards, online, or ship them out of the country.
Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft.
Signs a catalytic converter theft is being committed
a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area
a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle
Prevent it
Although catalytic converter thefts are increasing, there are steps that you can take to protect your vehicle.
To keep your catalytic converter safe, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold.
Alternatively, try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle, park it in a secure compound. If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.
You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.
Visit Secured by Design or Sold Secure Gold for more details.
Report it
if the crime is happening now call 999 - if you are unsure, we’d rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring
if it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their car (do not approach suspects, as they have been known to use violence)
if the crime has already happened then you can report it to online www.met.police.uk or cal "101"
Vehicles Least Likely to be Targeted:
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Nissan Leaf, Tesla, Fiat 500, and fully electric versions of the Ford Focus/Honda Fit/Toyota RAV4.
Diesel Vehicles: Diesel engines use different catalysts that contain very little to no valuable precious metals.
Specific Low-Risk Models: Owners of cars like the Dacia Sandero and Toyota Aygo are less frequently targeted.
Cars with High-Mounted Converters: European brands like BMW and Audi often have converters located closer to the engine.
Factors Making Vehicles Less Attractive:
Less Valuable Materials: American and some European manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, Dodge) often use fewer precious metals, making them less appealing than hybrid vehicles.
Hard-to-Reach Design: Vehicles where the converter is difficult to access, such as those that are deeply integrated into the engine block (e.g., 2008+ Honda Jazz), are safer.
Lower Ground Clearance: Vehicles that are too low for a thief to fit underneath comfortably.
Top Vehicles Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft:
Toyota Prius (2001–2021)
Toyota Auris
Toyota Camry (1987–2019)
Lexus RX & Lexus CT
Honda Jazz (and Fit)
Honda Accord (1989–2020)
Honda CR-V
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford F-Series & Econoline
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme. Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
