Warning after catalytic converter thefts in Folkestone and Ashford

Motorists in the Ashford and Folkestone areas are being warned to protect their vehicles following a number of catalytic converter thefts.

The first incident is reported to have taken place at around 3.40am on Wednesday 13 May 2020 when suspicious activity was reported in Langdon Road, Folkestone.

A resident of the street later discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen from his car.

Kent Police was then called at 4.50pm on the same day following the theft of another catalytic converter from a vehicle in Canterbury Road, Kennington.

Also on the same day, a catalytic converter was reported as having been stolen from another car in Upper Denmark Road, Ashford.

Officers are investigating and have urged anyone with information to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/81435/20.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Inspector Jason Atkinson, of Ashford Community Safety Unit, said: ‘Kent Police is committed to tackling this type of crime and we therefore encourage residents to be vigilant and report anything to us straight away, including anybody seen acting suspiciously around vehicles, while we seek to identify those people responsible for these thefts.'

Car owners are advised to:

• Contact your car's manufacturer, as some sell clamps and security cages that make catalytic converters more difficult to steal;

• Park your vehicle in a garage whenever possible;

• If you do not have a garage then park in a busy, well-lit area;

• Consider installing good quality CCTV cameras;

• Security-mark and register the metal shell of the converter so we can return it to you if it is stolen and recovered.