Warning After Catalytic Converter Thefts

28 June 2013, 06:09 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The owners of Mercedes Sprinter vans in Hampshire are being warned to lock them in garages.

The warning comes from police after a spate of catalytic converter thefts from the vehicles overnight.

The converters for the vans can be stolen without the need for cutting them from the vehicles. Thieves want them for the precious metals inside.

Overnight Monday 24 to Tuesday 25 June, catalytic converters were removed from Sprinter vans in Brunswick Road, Eastleigh; Stoke Heights, Fair Oak; and Ascot Road, Horton Heath.  The thefts occurred between 6.30pm Monday and 5 and 7am Tuesday.

Similar thefts have been reported in Andover.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity overnight in any of the areas where theft occurred is asked to contact the Targeted Patrol Team at Eastleigh on 101.