Man Arrested on Suspicion of Catalytic Converter Thefts

Published on: 16 Mar, 2021
Updated on: 19 Mar, 2021

A man has been arrested in Frimley on suspicion of stealing catalytic converters, a type of theft now becoming more widely reported across Surrey.

Just after 1:30pm on Wednesday (March 10), an Automated Number Plate Reader in Sandhurst picked up a car using potentially cloned plates.

Traffic officers found the unoccupied car in the car park at Frimley Park Hospital. Two catalytic converters and tools were in the boot.

A 21-year-old man from Slough has been arrested on suspicion of theft and released on conditional bail.

PS Sam Barwood said: “We are committed to stopping catalytic converter thefts from Surrey and urge people to remain vigilant for signs of this crime and report any information to us.

“If you see a car being lifted up and hear the sound of metal being cut, it could be a catalytic converter theft in action. If you suspect this, immediately dial 999.”

Anyone with information relating to this incident, please contact police quoting crime reference number PR/45210024689 via:

• Website surrey.police.uk
• Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
• Calling 101

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Responses to Man Arrested on Suspicion of Catalytic Converter Thefts

Jules Cranwell Reply

March 20, 2021 at 6:32 am

These are heinous crimes indeed. An elderly Horsley resident had his stolen, the night before he was due to go for his jab. Luckily, the Community bus was available, and I was able to take him. If it had not been, he may have missed his appointment, with potentially dreadful consequences.
Valerie Thompson Reply

March 21, 2021 at 9:31 am

These thefts have been regularly taking place in supermarket car parks and especially at Wisley Gardens. New cars are more likely to be targeted. As a precaution, always reverse into car-parking spaces with the rear of the car as close as possible to hedges, walls or fences. I now do the same in my own drive.