Series of catalytic converters ripped from village trucks (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Alresford: Series of catalytic converters ripped from village trucks

10:26am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

CROOKS have ripped catalytic converters from several pick-up trucks across Alresford.

The spate of thefts has seen devices stolen from three trucks in the village over a five day period.

The exhaust emission control devices are often targeted by thieves as they are easily removed and contain valuable metals.

Trucks are seen as easy targets due to their high clearance.

A converter was snatched from a Ford Ranger in Poplars Close between 5.30pm on Tuesday January 29 and 8.45am on Saturday February 2.

One was also pulled from a Mitsubishi L200 in Wivenhoe Road between 4pm on Wednesday January 30 and 9.40am on Sunday February 3.

The final theft saw a device stolen from another Ford Ranger in Colchester Main Road between 7am on Thursday January 31 and 10am on Saturday February 2.

Officers are investigating the thefts and have handed out advice to truck owners to make their vehicles tougher targets.

These including parking in a garage or well-lit area, having the bolts welded shut or having a converter marked with a serial number.

Anyone with information on the thefts can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.