Police issue warning as thefts of 7 Honda Jazz car catalytic converters in the last week in Formby

Honda Jazz cars in Sefton have been targeted in a string of catalytic converters thefts with 9 being stolen in the past week alone, police say. All of the vehicles targeted were Honda Jazz cars, but any hybrid car could be a target. All petrol cars manufactured since 1993 must have a catalytic converter fitted to the exhaust.

Police have confirmed that 7 Catalytic Converters have been stolen in #Formby and 2 in #Ainsdale in the past week. All cars were Honda Jazz cars and most incidents were around 1am. On a few occasions, residents have heard a drilling noise.

Please be vigilant and look at our advice below to help stop these thefts.

Catalytic converters change toxic substances produced by vehicles, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapour.

They are targeted by thieves because they contain some valuable metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which mean scrap catalytic converters are worth up to £1,000. The price of these metals has risen sharply in recent years and has led to an increase in theft offences.

Thieves look to steal from the Honda Jazz due to their larger engines and higher ground clearance and thus making the converters easier to take because of the elevated height. They're found on the underside of the car and can be removed within minutes with a metal-cutting tool.

If you see anyone in the act doing this, please report immediately on 999 or if you have any information please contact the police on 101.

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Advice:

Cars that are most often targeted are hybrid vehicles as the converter is used less frequently. Whilst there are many makes of vehicles subject to this type of offence, the following makes/models are particularly vulnerable: Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, Honda CR-V. To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen, follow the advice below:

• Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn't an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area

• Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult

• Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter

• If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles

• For thefts occurring on driveways, consider the use of a Secured by Design (SD) approved driveway alarm and sensor. This may assist in alerting you of a potential intruder entering your driveway or garden.

• Use a security marking kit to register your catalytic converter

• Consider a catalytic converter protection device or shield which locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove. Toyota are offering a 'Catloc' for the Prius (3rd generation, 2009-2011 models) and Auris (2nd generation, 2012-2018 models). Contact your Toyota dealership for more information

• Speak to your dealership about the possibility of installing a Thatcham approved alarm and tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter

• If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the Police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.