The quick thinking of a Wollaton resident, who awoke to find two men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car, helped police to swiftly arrest two suspects in connection with the crime.
The victim was awoken by a squeaking sound outside his home in Woodhall Road shortly after 12.45am today (Monday 8 February 2021).
The noise was believed to have been caused by a jack which was being used to lift his car up.
He also heard a short drill-like sound which he suspected was a tool being used to steal the catalytic converter from his car parked on his drive.
The victim went to his bedroom window and saw a dark-coloured car parked in front of his vehicle and made note of its vehicle registration mark which he quickly passed onto police over the phone while reporting the incident in progress.
Police swiftly arrived in the area and arrested two suspects nearby, aged 34 and 31, who had fled in the car. Tools believed to have been used during the offences were found within the car.
The pair remain in custody and are being questioned on suspicion of attempted theft from a motor vehicle.
Catalytic converters, which convert vehicle exhaust emissions into less toxic gasses, are targeted because they contain high-value metals which can be sold for scrap value.
Inspector Charlotte Allardice, of Nottinghamshitre Police, said: “We see a spike in catalytic converter thefts from time to time, but this a national issue and not contained to Nottinghamshire.
“As previous incidents have shown, it can take offenders only a matter of seconds to remove a catalytic converter which is why we’re urging members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us – as was effectively done by the quick-thinking victim on this occasion.
“We are taking positive action as a force to identify individuals suspected to be involved in this crime type and to bring them to justice.
“As well as enforcement we have also put in place extra patrols in some of the areas we know to be repeat locations for this crime type.
“We are also asking vehicle owners to do what they can to protect themselves and offering advice to motorists on steps they can take to protect their vehicles from opportunistic thieves.
“If you see anyone jacking a car up in a public car park or on a public road or if you see anything that doesn’t sit right or anyone acting strangely please call us on 101. If a crime is currently taking place, call 999.
“People should also consider protective marking, and check with their vehicle’s manufacturer to see if there are any protective guards they can purchase.”
The force is urging residents to be extra vigilant after three other incidents where catalytic converters were stolen over the weekend and to report anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles.
A woman came out of her house in the Knowle Hill area of Kimberley to find three men jacking up her car at around 8.25pm on Saturday (6 February 2021).
Catalytic converters were also stolen from vehicles in Outram Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Oak Tree Rise, in Carlton-in-Lindrick on Friday (5 February 2021).
Three men were arrested in connection with the Carlton-in-Lindrick theft shortly afterwards as a result of enquiries and have since been bailed.
Officers are keeping an open mind but are not yet linking any of those incidents.
Nottinghamshire Police offers the following advice for drivers to protect their vehicles:
* 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.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles or have any information that could help with the police investigations, please call us on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.
