Avon and Somerset Police have given further details of the spate of thefts occurring at the University of Bath. Criminals targeted cars parked on campus and stole their catalytic converters.
The incidents triggered a university security alert warning all parking lot users of the criminal activity. They explained that the crimes happened during office hours when the cars were parked in two parking lots.
Bath Live understands the university has increased car park patrols and is closely monitoring CCTV in the area. The university is working with the police to catch the criminals and the force have given details of the cars they would like to track in connection with the crimes.
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In a statement, police said there had been seven cases of catalytic converters being stolen from parking lots at Toyota, Honda and Lexus.
They said: “Police are investigating reports of four thefts of catalytic converters from parked vehicles which occurred at the University of Bath Claverton Down campus between 1.17pm and 1.45pm on Friday 11 March. Three vehicles Toyota and a Lexus were targeted by unknown offenders, who were suspected of driving a black Nissan Note with registration NX56 GJF.
“Earlier, on Tuesday February 22, three other thefts were reported at the same location, which allegedly took place between 3:03 p.m. and 3:17 p.m. The vehicles targeted were of the brands Honda and Toyota.
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“The offenders are said to have driven a grey/silver Peugeot 3008, registration EX60 0TH. The police are working with university staff and are carrying out CCTV investigations.
“We are asking anyone with information that could help our investigation to contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference 5222059368. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police have also released general information about catalytic converter thefts occurring in the area.
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They said: “We ask motorists to be vigilant following a recent increase in thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in the Avon and Somerset Force Area. In a number of cases vehicles have been targeted while they were parked in public car parks.
“While any type of vehicle can be affected, hybrid cars – such as older Toyota Prius and Honda Jazz models – are particularly susceptible to being targeted for their catalytic converters. Thefts can occur at any time of day. or night.
“Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium. The sharp increase in the value of these metals in recent years has driven up the rate of theft of catalytic converters. It may take less than a minute to a thief to cut and remove them.
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According to police, motorists can help prevent their vehicles from becoming an easy target by taking these steps:
Avoid parking half on the curb, half on the road, as this could give thieves easier access to the underside of your vehicle. Park your vehicle in a closed garage whenever possible. Try to park in busy, well-lit areas or in areas covered by CCTV. Ask your mechanic to give you the serial number of your catalytic converter and write it down. Consider buying some forensic fluid and using it to mark your catalytic converter. Place a protective cover over your catalytic converter.
To report a theft, or if you have any information that could help the police, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you witness a theft in progress, call 999.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-18 14:25:19
