Dorset Police recently took part in a national week of action against catalytic converter theft by taking steps to raise awareness of the crime, encouraging the use of SelectaDNA forensic marking to identify Cats, and cracking down on offenders.
Neighbourhood policing teams joined representatives from the Environment Agency, Dorset Council and BCP Council to visit scrap dealers in the area.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “The awareness work during the week of action 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.
“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.”
Back to 2022 News Stories
