DORSET Police have been taking part in a national week of action against catalytic converter theft by raising awareness and cracking down on offenders - the operation also led to two arrests.
Between Thursday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 16, neighbourhood policing teams joined representatives from the Environment Agency, Dorset Council and BCP Council to visit scrap dealers in the area.
Traffic officers also carried out a number of proactive stops of vehicles across the county.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “As well as identifying a number of unrelated traffic offences through the vehicle stops, the awareness work during the week of action also resulted in information being received that led to the arrest of two men on suspicion of the theft of a skip containing metals after they reportedly attempted to make off from a vehicle in the Ferndown area.”
The force says there has been a reduction in catalytic converter thefts since the start of a multi-agency initiative to encourage more forensic marking of vehicles that began in May 2021.
Two incidents were reported during January this year compared with 98 in May 2021.
Dorset Police added that they remain committed to tackling the issue, which can cause considerable expense and inconvenience for victims as offenders target the precious materials contained in catalytic converters.
Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Bournemouth police, said: “We have continued to work with our partners and local businesses to raise awareness of this crime and offer advice on how members of our communities can help protect themselves from becoming victims.
“There are things like locks or guards that are available from dealerships to protect catalytic converters and simple steps such as parking close to a wall or fence and in well-lit overlooked area can also assist.
“For those who sadly do become victims, forensically marking their catalytic converters make them harder for thieves to dispose of and can help us trace and catch offenders.
“Finally, we would urge anyone who believes they witness a catalytic converter theft to report it as soon as it’s happening. If a crime is in progress, dial 999. Otherwise, you can contact us with information at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”
Ben Spinks, of the Environment Agency, added: “Intensive efforts like this make a difference deterring criminal behaviour, which for us means waste criminals illegally transporting and disposing of rubbish without a licence.
“Handling waste without a licence means your rubbish could be fly-tipped or improperly disposed of, at the cost of the environment and the taxpayer who could end up paying for the clean-up. Ask your waste carrier to prove they have one and ask where they’re taking your waste, get a receipt, and avoid paying cash.”
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