South Holland has seen a spate of catalytic converter thefts from cars.
The Voice has heard several reports of incidents in the area and Lincolnshire Police has released an appeal following events in Cowbit, Swineshead, Holbeach St Johns, and Willesby Road in Spalding.
Incidents have also been reported in Boston.
The converters are being cut from the cars to be sold for scrap metal, police say.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police, said: “We are investigating five incidents of thefts/attempt thefts of catalytic converters in the Boston and Spalding area which were reported yesterday and today.
“Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system of vehicles. They are a target for thieves as they are coated in a metal that has a high value.
“Thieves cut the catalytic converter from a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers.
Please be aware if you are offered a second-hand cat convertor, handling stolen goods is a serious offence and attracts a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.
“You have a responsibility to test the provenance of anything you buy.”
The particular incidents Lincolnshire Police relate to are: l Cowbit – incident 159 of December 30 reported at 12.27pm.
* Swineshead – incident 416 of December 30 reported at 9.32 pm.
* Holbeach St Johns – incident 14 of December 31 reported at 12.49 am.
* Woodthorpe Ave in Boston – incident 423 of 30 December 30 reported at 10.09 pm.
* Willesby Rd in Spalding – incident 447 of December 30 reported at 11.17 pm.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 with the incident number.
Alternatively, if you have information, you can remain completely anonymous by reporting to CrimeStoppers online or call 0800 555 111.
Police have also released guidance to concerned motorists.
A spokesman said: “It is difficult to completely stop the threat but there are some things you can do to prevent the risk of catalytic converter theft.”
* Park your car in a garage or secure area if possible.
* Park in well-lit and busy areas.
* If you have a fleet of cars, consider defensive parking. This is where you block high clearance vehicles with low clearance ones to restrict the access underneath.
* If your catalytic converter is ‘bolt on’ consider having the bolts welded shut.
* Be aware of anyone looking underneath or working on cars in your area.
* Use a security marking kit to register your catalytic converter.
For more visit https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/driving-roads-and-vehicles/catalytic-converter-theft/
