September’s Ruddington Crime statistics, just issued by Rushcliffe Police, show a spike in vehicle crime around our village. This includes two cars – one parked on Wilford Road and another on Church Street – which had their catalytic converters stolen.
It seems thieves target these for the precious metals they contain – such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum – making newer vehicles the most vulnerable. Hybrid* cars are also attractive to criminals since the supplementary electric motor means their catalytic converters are likely to have been used less frequently to process the toxic pollutants produced by their petrol or diesel engine.
Officers say the suspects for this latest spate of catalytic converter thefts have been using a dark grey five door VW Golf on various number plates. There are usually three males in the vehicle, who pull up beside the attacked car, jack it up and then use a power saw to remove the converter in a very short time frame. We’re asked to remain vigilant for this car and its occupants, and to contact the police immediately if you see anything suspicious.
Nottinghamshire Police have also issued this advice to the public to protect vehicles with catalytic converters:
- If you can, park your vehicle in a locked garage when it is unattended.
- If it’s not possible to garage your vehicle, park it in a busy, well-lit area as close to your property as possible.
- Consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm to your vehicle. Ones that activate if your vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective.
- Use a catalytic converter protection device or marking system.
Officers say, if your catalytic converters is stolen, you will know because your vehicle’s engine will sound different.
Here’s the complete list of reported crimes in Ruddington from 1st – 30th September 2020:
1st Theft from shop – Meat products – Wilford Lane
1st/2nd Criminal damage to vehicle bodywork and windows – keyed – Rufford Road
5th Fly tipping – waste left in the road – The Avenue – RBC investigating
6th/7th Burglary – dwelling – cars stolen with keys – Flawforth Lane – Suspect arrested >>MORE<<
7th Attempted theft of Vehicle – Flawforth Lane – linked to above burglary
Attempted theft of Vehicle – Flawforth Lane – linked to above burglary
Attempted theft of Vehicle – Barleylands – linked to above burglary
8th Theft of number plates – Elms Park
9th Burglary – dwelling – car stolen using keys taken from inside – enquiries ongoing
10th Theft of garden furniture – found a short way from the property – Brookside Road
11th Theft from shop – oil stolen from garage – Loughborough Road
12th -19th Number plates stolen – from parked vehicle – Templeman Close
13th Theft of push bike – insecure outside property – Loughborough Road
14th Theft of coffee from shop – Wilford Road
Theft of Catalytic Converter – from car parked Wilford Road
15th Public order offence – Public House – Easthorpe Street >>MORE<<
22nd Theft from shop – Meat products – Wilford Road
23rd Theft from shop – Wilford Road
Burglary – dwelling outbuildings entered at site under renovation – The Green
24th. Attempted theft from shop – Offender stopped and dealt with at the time – Church Street
25th Theft from shop – Wilford Road
30th Criminal damage to vehicle – wing mirror kicked off – Offenders identified at the time – Rufford Road
Theft of catalytic converter from vehicle Church Street
As RUDDINGTON.info has previously reported, the vehicles stolen from the two burglaries have been recovered and suspects have been identified.
Officers say there has been an increase in reported shop thefts around the Rushcliffe area with offenders traveling to rural locations in a vehicle. Suspects have been identified and enquiries are continuing.
If you have further information about any of the reported offences during September in Ruddington – or may have captured CCTV footage that you think could help – you’re asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
{Missing catalytic converter photo (top) by Elliott Evans}
