Three Arrested In Sussex Police Action Against Catalytic Converter Thefts

Police have made a trio of arrests while investigating the theft of catalytic converters from cars in Sussex.

The devices contain rare and precious metals and — both in commodity markets and among scrap metal dealers — these substances have surged in value recently.

And police claim that's the reason behind organised crime network members committing increasing numbers of offences.

Of the arrests:

• one man was detained on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and fraud by false representation;
• one man on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle;
• and a third man on suspicion of attempted theft from a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop, and possession of a Class A drug.

All three have been released under investigations as enquiries continue.

Police added that a fourth man attended a voluntary police interview in relation to five counts of theft from a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and failing to stop.

He has also been released under investigation. 

Additionally, in an operation lasting from April 19 – 25, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Teams carried out 21 visits to scrap metal dealers.

They wanted to identify and develop information on who is buying and selling the parts, and to check everyone was operating with the appropriate licences.

They also visited seven catalytic converter buyers, paid four visits to vehicle dismantlers and stopped 15 mobile collectors.

Several scrap metal dealers also signed up to a database used by police and partners to gather and share intelligence around catalytic converter thefts.

Two stolen catalytic converters were recovered during the week, as well as a van full of scrap metal. 

Also during the week, officers reported that 250 car owners took advantage of free catalytic converter property marking carried out in partnership by garages and police across the Sussex.

Catalytic converters can be forensically marked using special liquids with a unique code detectable under a UV light.

This can make it harder for thieves to dispose of stolen catalytic converters, and can lead to the detection of crime and reunite people with their property.

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Grantham said:

“Thefts of catalytic converters can not only have a serious financial impact on victims, but also an emotional impact as it can affect their day-to-day activity and livelihoods.

“This is an issue we take extremely seriously and this week of action is just a snapshot of the work we do to try and tackle the problem.

“We continue to gather information around thefts, and encourage people to report any offences or suspicious behaviour to us to help us build that intelligence.

“We also ask people to take a look at the advice and consider steps they can take to protect their vehicles.”

Police added advice to car owners:

• Protect your car by asking your dealer if they can give you any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold.
• Mark your catalytic converter with a forensic marker and register your converter to make it harder for thieves to dispose of.
• Park your car somewhere well-lit and overlooked, among as many cars as possible.
• Try to park so the converter can't be easily reached - close to a wall or fence.
• Try not to park at the end of the row if there are free spaces.