Police are investigating a number of reports of catalytic converter thefts across the Island in recent days.
Officers have been looking into the thefts from vehicles in a variety of locations including Newport and Ventnor.
On 11th August it was reported that, at some time between 18:25 and 21:40, the catalytic converter had been taken from a blue Honda CR-V in Mountbatten Drive, Newport.
Island Echo understands that potential evidence was recovered from the scene, with enquiries conturing at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting 44210319915.
Just 2 days later, on 13th August, Police received a further report of a catalytic converted theft from a Honda HR-V on Park Avenue in Ventnor. The incident is said to have occurred between 1800 on 11th August and 10:00 on 12th August. This incident has currently been filed pending further lines of enquiry becoming available.
On Tuesday (17th August) it was reported to Police that a few hours earlier, at midnight on 16th August, the catalytic converter had been taken from a Mitsubishi Colt in Steephill Down Road, Ventnor. This incident has also been filed pending further lines of enquiry becoming available.
It’s also understood that vehicles used for a mechanics course at the Isle of Wight College have been targeted.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We are actively following all lines of enquiry around catalytic converter thefts in the area and ask anyone with information to contact us on 101 or report it online”.
For further advice about how to secure your vehicle from catalytic converter theft, visit Hampshire Constabulary’s website at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/catalytic-converter-theft/.
Absolute scumbags.
it’s the season,Battery thefts from temporary traffic lights,now cats from cars.
Mainland traveller’s?
No scrap metal yard on the Island would touch this stuff with a barge pole.
God only knows why van’s can’t be quickly checked before leaving the island?
I totally agree. Random Spot checks on vehicles leaving and visiting the Island should be a policy . This would deter criminals stealing machinery and parts and also drug transportation.
Also ANPR cameras should be in place at all ferry terminals or approach roads. This would alert Police to potential criminal activity.
This would increase the quality of life for law abiding citizens.
Criminals like these thieves need catching and given a significant punishment.
These scumbags could be driving a car and that would be a gigantic task checking for stolen loot wouldn’t it?
Does not always have to be mainlanders. It is quite easy for locals to do the crime and sell it on the mainland.
Most youngsters remove them and only put them on for the mot. It stops theft and gives the traditional isle of wight exhaust sound that we are used to hearing beneath the load euro pop music. All you need is some skin tight trousers and a muscle tshirt… For that Ford driver look..
Police will not do anything, more interested in arresting 19 year olds for being drunk.
Some have a plan then!
Must be a cat burglar
I think random checks of all vehicles at our ferry terminals is essential on an ongoing basis.
Also ANPR cameras should be installed to provide Police with useful intelligence on the movement of criminals , untaxed and uninsured cars and false and illegal number plates.
It would definitely deter the theft of machinery and vehicles , and the movement of drugs in both directions
This can only benefit the law abiding majority.
Detection rates are far too low, this would tip the balance in favour of Law and Order
Platinum is the reason – which is contained in those converters. It retails at $985.00 an ounce.
There are between 3 and 7 grams of platinum group metals in a converter -the amount of actual platinum is a portion of this, as there are six metals in the group…iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium.
It appears they’ve exhausted all leads.