After a surge in catalytic converter thefts across Harrow, residents have been advised not to try and stop the thieves in progress.
Multiple thefts are believed to have occurred last night (14 Jan) in Hatch End and Pinner.
Hatch End Police tweeted: “Notice: recent report of catalytic converter thefts.
“Prevention:
– install CCTV
– install an anti-theft device to your catalytic converter
– install a tilt sensor to activate the alarm
If you see it in progress:
– Call 999
– Please don’t try to stop them
– Provide full details.”
This comes after a number of people have posted video footage recorded by their doorbell cameras showing thieves in operation.
One member of the Harrow Online Group posted: “Last night at 8pm I heard an angle grinder being used on my car on the front driveway. I opened shutter to see someone at my car. I ran out into the hallway and opened front door to be met by a second person with a raised iron bar on my front door step. screaming at me to get back in f#@+ing house.
“Stolen catalytic converter. All over in less than 30 seconds. It appears it’s now happening with menaces. Police say 6 or 7 in the central Harrow / Pinner area in an hour last night, If you experience this don’t challenge them ring 999”
Notice: recent report of catalytic converter thefts.
Prevention:
– install CCTV
– install an anti-theft device to your catalytic converter
– install a tilt sensor to activate the alarmIf you see it in progress:
– Call 999
– Please don't try to stop them
– Provide full details.— Hatch End Police / North West BCU (@MPSHatchEnd) January 14, 2022
Another person commented: “That happened outside mine, there was a noise so my neighbour asked what they were doing to another neighbours car, then just for him asking, they smashed up his new BMW with an iron bar and still took the catalytic converter of the neighbours car. Two cars turned up to do it, a couple of guys jumped out one car and another car was was waiting for it, got in, then sped off.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
