A3 Car Chase Follows Catalytic Converter Theft in Guildford

Published on: 31 May, 2021
Updated on: 2 Jun, 2021

Map showing the route taken by the Slyfield catalytic converter thieves.

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses after reports of men stealing catalytic converters in Guildford led to a dangerous police pursuit into Woking last night (May 30).

Officers were called to Slyfield Industrial Estate at around 11.30pm after car alarms were heard going off.

Slyfield Industrial Estate has numerous car dealerships and garages. Google maps.

Shortly after police arrived, four men fled the scene in a black Audi, initiating a pursuit with a police armed response vehicle.

The Audi joined the A3 Northbound, where the men proceeded to throw objects at the police car in a bid to stop their vehicle. They left the A3 at Painshill Junction, near Cobham, before driving into Woking town centre via Byfleet Road and Chertsey Road.

Shortly after the Audi entered the town centre, it was driven the wrong way up a one-way street, forcing officers to abandon the pursuit. But the Audi then collided with another car and the men decamped their vehicle. The driver of the car received minor injuries.

Officers searched the area with assistance from the National Police Air Service locating one of the men nearby on Wolsey Walk, Commercial Way. Despite an extensive search of the area, the other three men remain outstanding.

A 32-year-old man from Middlesex remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, theft and criminal damage.

Detective Constable Ryan Shaw said: “This was an extremely dangerous pursuit which could have resulted in a much more serious outcome. Woking town centre was busy at the time of the incident, and we believe people might have witnessed part of the pursuit or saw the men decamp on foot. It is also possible that the men used a taxi to flee the scene.

“If you saw anything which could help our investigation, or if you have CCTV footage of the areas mentioned, please contact us straight away. We are working hard to locate those involved and are keen to speak to anyone who might have information – you can report this anonymously if you’d prefer.”

A police spokesperson said: “If you have any information which could help, please contact us quoting crime reference number PR/45210056250 via: