TWO suspects have been identified and a vehicle has been seized following a recent rise in catalytic convertor thefts in the Salisbury area.

Wiltshire Police's Fortitude South team based in Salisbury has been tasked with tackling these type of thefts.

In a statement issued yesterday (May 12), Detective Sergeant Darren Penny, from the Fortitude South team, said: “Today has been a really positive day in regards tackling the spate of catalytic convertor thefts and building relationships with scrap metal merchants in the local area.

“We have obtained vital information surrounding those selling these valuable items, the vehicles they are using and their home addresses.

“The two suspects identified through our enquiries are being dealt with, are due to be interviewed and our investigation is ongoing.”

The team has also visited several metal recycling sites to raise awareness of the issue.

Wiltshire Police says it hopes its proactive approach highlights how seriously it is taking this sort of crime.

Here are some steps you can take to keep your vehicle safe:

  • Park your car in a locked garage or in a well-lit and well-populated area.
  • Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb.
  • Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter.
  • If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing your bonnet towards the wall.
  • If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.

Anybody who witnesses any suspicious activity that could be linked to catalytic converter theft should report this to the police.

Note as much information as possible, including any vehicle details or registration plates, and call Wiltshire Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.

 

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