Two men arrested over spate of catalytic converter thefts
BBC- Two 18 year olds from Kent are arrested after a spate of catalytic converter thefts in Cornwall say police
- Officers say they have received more than 20 reports of thefts and threats to public since Monday
- Police say they also seized a vehicle in St Austell
Police investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts across Cornwall have arrested two men.
Two 18 year olds from Kent were arrested and are in police custody said the Devon and Cornwall force.
It follows more than 20 reports of catalytic converter thefts and making threats to people since Monday in St Austell, Falmouth, Redruth and Truro.
All the incidents are believed to be linked said police.
'Taken very seriously'
Officers also seized a vehicle, which is believed to be linked to the thefts, in St Austell, in the early hours.
They then carried out further inquiries in the Newquay area and found several items which are also believed to be connected.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehicle and remain in police custody, said officers.
Catalytic converters fitted in car exhaust systems reduce their emission of toxic gases and pollutants.
Thieves are attracted by the valuable metals the devices contain.
Insp Greg Hodgkiss, from the Roads Policing Team, said: "This type of planned, acquisitive crime is taken very seriously, and our teams are dedicated to disrupting and preventing it.
"As a result of these reports and the information provided by the public, officers and intelligence teams have been making further inquiries and we now have two people in custody in connection to this matter.
"Our investigation is ongoing but if you have any information which you think may assist us, please get in touch."
Police also issued some prevention advice for vehicle owners:
- Consider getting their catalytic converter uniquely marked so that it can be easily identified
- Park their car in a well-lit and overlooked area
- Consider purchasing a locking device for their catalytic converter
- Consider parking close to fences, walls or a kerb with the catalytic converter being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult
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