Officers in Mid Suffolk are holding two free catalytic converter marking session to help reduce further crime.
The firs t event is taking place on Saturday 11 May at Barley Green Garage in Laxfield Road, Stradbroke between 11am-3pm. The second event is taking place on Saturday 18 May at Truck East in Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket between 10am-1pm.
Mid Suffolk Local Policing Commander Inspector Tristan Pepper said: “Suffolk Police is already taking a number of actions to combat the theft of catalytic converters, including additional targeted patrols and working with local scrap yards, garages and neighbourhood watches.
“Vehicles with a high ground clearance are a favourite of offend ers, these include 4x4s, Ford Rangers, Mercedes and Iveco vans. These are easier to target as it is easy to crawl under the vehicle and remove the converter which usually takes only a matter of minutes.
“On behalf of Suffolk Constabulary I would also like to thank both the managers and owners of Truck East and Barley Green garage, for their community spirit in offering their facilities free of charge for the police to assist the public. This is a great example of police and local businesses working together to reduce crime for local people.”
To reduce the chances of catalytic converters being stolen vehicle owners can also:
- Keep private vehicles in a well-secured garage where possible, and if no garage is available, in a well-lit public area.
- Park vehicles in such a way as to make access to the catalytic converter difficult, or parallel with another vehicle if you own one.
- Keep commercial vehicles in a locked building or compound.
- Use alarms, lighting and CCTV to deter thieves.
Further marking sessions will be organised in the future. For more details please contact your local crime reduction advisor by calling 101 and asking for your local Crime Reduction Officer.