War against metal thieves (From Dudley News)

War against metal thieves

8:30am Friday 17th August 2012 in Local

POLICE are stepping up their war against metal thieves after a spate of incidents around the Black Country.

The latest trend among crooks is stealing catalytic converters from vehicles and officers from are urging motorists to take action aimed at thwarting thieves.

Drivers are being encouraged to securely mark their catalytic converters (CATs), park in secure areas or garages and get bolts holding CATs in place welded shut.

Sergeant Andy Springthorpe, from West Midlands Police, is leading the operation to catch CAT thieves after seven incidents in Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen during the last four weeks.

Sgt Springthorpe said: "It is important that all motorists and businesses who own high-clearance vehicles, like 4x4s or vans, are aware of how best to protect themselves from this type of crime.

"Officers are already taking action to combat the theft of catalytic converters, including running high visibility patrols, undercover operations and working with local scrap yards and garages."

Police also advise victims to retain the cut area of an exhaust when it is replaced so it can be matched with recovered CATs.

For advice on CAT marking people should call their police neighbourhood team on 101.

Witnesses or anyone with information about metal theft offences is also asked to contact officers on the same number.