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I wanted to provide an update regarding theft from motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Catalytic Converter Theft – Crime Prevention Advice
South Ruislip SNT officers are advising residents to remain vigilant following recent reports of catalytic converters being stolen from parked vehicles.
Catalytic converters contain valuable metals (such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium), making them attractive to thieves who can remove them in minutes.
How to protect your vehicle
Parking & positioning
Park in a well-lit, busy area where possible
If you have a driveway, park close to your property
Position your car to make access difficult (e.g. close to a wall or between vehicles)
Avoid parking with one side exposed to the street
Security measures
Consider installing a catalytic converter lock, clamp, or guard
Have your catalytic converter forensically marked or etched with your registration number
Install or upgrade to a vehicle alarm with tilt or vibration sensors
Use CCTV or video doorbells covering your parking area
Stay alert
Report suspicious activity immediately – especially people loitering under vehicles or using tools near parked cars
Thieves often strike late at night or early morning and may work quickly in pairs
What to do if you see anything suspicious
Call 999 if a crime is happening now
Otherwise, report via 101 or online at the Met Police website
Provide as much detail as possible (location, vehicle descriptions, suspect behaviour)
 Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. We will keep you updated with what we are doing to tackle this in your area, but in the meantime, please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings. 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 it’s 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. Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not 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. | 
