Officers issue warning after spate of catalytic converter thefts in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Officers from the Newcastle-under-Lyme local policing team (LPT) are urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant after a number of catalytic converters were stolen overnight.

Between the hours of 7pm on Monday (13th February 2023) and 7am the following morning (Tuesday 14th February 2023), catalytic converters were stolen from several VW vans which were parked inside industrial forecourts on Lowfield Drive, Wolstanton.

Staffordshire Police have since spoken to the business owners and have started making initial inquiries.

Anyone with any information or those who noticed anything suspicious in the area at the time are asked to get in touch with the police via the Live Chat on their website – Home | Staffordshire Police – or by calling 101 and quoting incident 343 of 14 January.

Sergeant Caldwell, from the Newcastle-under-Lyme LPT, said: “These types of thefts can have a profound impact on businesses and residents who face costly repairs and unwarranted hassle as a result of opportunists.

“We’re keen to speak to anyone who has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage which could help us identify those responsible.

“There are also a number of ways which the public can protect their belongings in order to prevent future thefts from taking place. Where possible, vehicles should be parked in highly visible, well-lit areas with clear CCTV coverage. Off-road parking areas or secure forecourts with strong fencing and security lighting should be used whenever possible.

“It’s also possible to mark a catalytic converter with a unique reference number which can help us identify them should they be stolen. Additional locks and guards to the underside of vehicles can also be installed and can be sorted through car dealerships.

“Patrols in the area have been increased and we’re working hard to proactively target those intent on stealing the hard-earned belongings of our community.”

For further security advice, please read: Prevent theft from a vehicle | Crime Prevention | Staffordshire Police