Gwent Police are warning Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van owners to keep a closer eye on their vehicles after an increase in reports of thefts of exhaust systems from the vans in the Caerphilly area.
In the last three weeks, officers have received 12 reports of theft from vehicles, three in the last week – including vehicles parked: in the car park of Abercarn Library, Newport Road in Bedwas and in Brookfield Road, Pontllanfraith.
In each of the thefts, exhaust systems, including catalytic converters, were removed and stolen.
Thieves target the vehicles because of the value of the precious metals used in such exhaust systems.
Sergeant Roy Bell, of Caerphilly Local Policing Unit, said: “We are currently investigating each reported crime and asking owners of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to secure their vehicles and remain alert.
“Steps that can be taken to prevent this type of crime include parking vehicles in well-lit, open areas, installing CCTV camera systems or speak to your local garage about fitting an anti-theft device to your catalytic converters or maybe have them welded on.”
Mercedes-Benz recommends on its website that owners of the Sprinter vans should have a £125 security plate installed.
The company says: “There has been a significant increase in the theft of catalytic converters, stolen for the resale value of the precious metals from which they are made.
“The metal case of the catalytic converter contains a ceramic honeycombed structure coated in precious metals – platinum, palladium and rhodium.
“These metals act as catalysts for the reactions that ‘clean’ the particles emitted from the exhaust system.
“Thieves simply cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked vehicle and sell them on to scrap metal dealers.
“The Catloc Security Device protects your vehicle’s catalytic converter by attaching a specially-created metal plate. This is secured on to the underside of your vehicle using tamper-proof fixings.”
Anyone with information on the thefts should contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.