Thieves target Kettering car parks to steal catalytic converters

Two more cars parked in Kettering were targeted yesterday (Tuesday) by catalytic converter thieves who are plaguing county motorists.

The vehicles, which were left in separate car parks, both had their converters stolen over roughly the same 12-hour period.

The first theft took place in the Wadcroft car park in Commercial Road between 6.30am and 6pm when the grey Honda Accord was targeted.

The second incident happened in Weavers Medical Centre's car park at Prospect House, Lower Street, between 6.45am and 6pm.

An employee's blue Toyota Prius also had its catalytic converter stolen.

A police spokesman said they are keeping an open mind about whether the two incidents were linked.

No descriptions of suspects were available and witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on 101.

Catalytic converters, which control and convert emissions, contain precious metals such as rhodium and palladium which can be stripped out and sold.

Often working in groups the callous thieves jack up a vehicle, cut out the device and flee within minutes, leaving their victims with a huge bill to get their car back on the road.

In recent years the number of catalytic converter thefts in Northamptonshire has soared with 295 recorded between April 2019 and March 2020.

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