By Police raids in Grimsby, Brigg and Waltham
Three people have been arrested after searches were carried out in Grimsby, Brigg and Waltham in connection to catalytic converter thefts.
Officers for Humberside Police searched three properties where 24 stolen catalytic converters were recovered and seized.
A 31-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman have all been arrested and released while the investigation continues.
“Yesterday, (Wednesday, February 3) officers executed three warrants at addresses in Waltham, Brigg and Grimsby.
“Upon searching the properties, 24 catalytic converters were recovered and seized.
“A 31-year-old man and 34-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft from a motor vehicle.
“A 39-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft from a motor vehicle.
“All have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”
This comes after Humberside Police warned of an increase in thefts from vehicles – in 2019, thefts of catalytic converters from cars in England and Wales rose sixfold.
Last year, there were almost 13,000 recorded thefts of the devices.
While offences tailed off at the start of lockdown, anecdotal evidence suggests they are on the rise again.
A recent spate of reported thefts suggests NHS staff vehicles are being targeted, with thieves seeking to the convertors for the scrap value of the three precious metals found inside.
Motorists have been advised to be alert and take additional precautions.
Inspector Dave Stephenson said:
“As the price of metals such as platinum and palladium have risen, many areas of the UK have seen increased reports of catalytic converters being stolen
“While all cars are potentially at risk, thieves are most likely to target hybrids – where the catalytic converter is used less and the metals are less likely to be damaged – or vehicles with a higher ground clearance, such as vans and SUVs.”
