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We would like to issue specific advice to motorists across Southampton following an increase in catalytic converter thefts.
Since the beginning of February, we have recorded 23 thefts with most crimes occurring in Bassett, Coxford, Millbrook and Redbridge.
Catalytic converter theft is closely linked to prices of Rhodium and Palladium which are contained within the converters. The prices of these metals increased during 2020 and this is what we believe has contributed to the number of thefts increasing. We are seeing that cat converters on hybrid Hondas and Toyotas are particularly vulnerable because their converters are cleaner and therefore the valuable metals contained within them are less likely to corrode. They are also easier to access on hybrid vehicles.
Catalytic converters can be stolen within a few minutes by using just a few basic tools, but there are ways you can protect your vehicle if, like many people, you don’t have access to a garage:
In the event your cat converter is stolen, please report online via our website https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
and include any markings so that we can identify your converter if it’s recovered
The local neighbourhood policing teams in your area are monitoring reports and would like to ask people to report any suspicious activity.