Local police gathered recently (15 December) in the Costco car park in Hayes to run the first ever catalytic converter forensic marking event.
During the event, which was advertised through social media, over 50 vehicles were successfully marked with unique “smart water” technology.
Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.
Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft.
Catalytic converter theft most frequently occurs in car parks, but they can happen anywhere.
It is hoped that more events like this will take place in the future.
