Operation BYTE - Prevention of Catalytic Converter Theft
Following a recent spate of theft of Catalytic converters from vehicles in the Sherburn area for their scrap metal value, North Yorkshire Police and the Selby District Community Safety Partnership have launched Operation BYTE.
The aim of the operation is to mark Catalytic Converters on the vehicles being targeted to act as a deterrent to thieves and those who would purchase them.
The converters are being etched with the vehicle owner's post-code and stencilled with a cat's paw design using red heat-resistant paint.
The vehicle will also display a window sticker high-lighting the fact that it has been marked.
Scrap merchants are being warned not accept any catalytic converter marked with the red cats paw design (unless robust proof of ownership can be provided linked to the post-code), or where there is evidence that these marks could have been removed or the catalytic converter tampered with in any way.
North Yorkshire Police will be conducting regular checks of scrap merchants records and premises. Any business or person found to be in possession of a stolen Catalytic Converter could face being arrested and charged with handling stolen goods. If found guilty it is also likely that their license to trade would be removed.
Letters have been sent to recent victims of thefts, owners of 4X4 vehicles and vans to invite them attend at 2 marking events in the Sherburn area. Any member of the public who owns one of these type of vehicles are also welcome to attend.
The marking events will be held at;
ALM Garage Services
Unit 3,
Enterprise Way
Sherburn In Elmet,
on
- Friday 25th May between 1200 to 1500hrs and on
- Saturday 26th May between 0900 to 1200hrs.
It is planned for more Catalytic Converter marking events to be held across the district.
Anyone who has any information in relation to this or other crimes can contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101 of if they wish to remain anonymous contact crime stoppers on 0800 555111
22 May 2012
