Landlord protects his catalytic converter with help from Essex Police
Bradwell landlord Ashley Winsbury-Cutts was distraught when
thieves stole the catalytic converter from his high clearance
vehicle.
Photo: (L-R) Ashley Winsbury-Cutts and Crime Reduction
Advisor Stephen Armson-Smith with a “Cat Clamp”
His wife was due to give birth any day, and he was worried that he
wouldn’t be able to drive her to hospital in any emergency.
Now, with his vehicle back in full working order, he’s liaised
with Braintree district Crime Reduction Adviser, Stephen
Armson-Smith, to ensure that his new catalytic converter will be of
little value to the thieves.
Mr Winsbury-Cutts is the landlord of The Swan in Bradwell and the
catalytic converter was stolen on September 6, 2010.
“It was hugely disruptive, and it cost me time and money to get a
new catalytic converter fitted," he said. "I’ve been delighted to
work with Stephen to get the new catalytic converter permanently
marked and registered, making it essentially worthless for any
would-be thieves.”
Mr Winsbury-Cutts has also put a sticker in the window of
his car, which should deter thieves by alerting them to the
fact that the catalytic converter has a permanent security
mark.
Stephen Armson-Smith adds: “The unique identifying number is
etched directly into the catalytic converter and cannot be removed
by thieves. This greatly increases the chances of anyone who steals
such a catalytic converter being apprehended and brought to
justice.”
Another means of protection is to use a “Cat Clamp”, which can
be seen in the photograph. This is a custom-made cage which locks
the catalytic converter into place making it almost impossible for
thieves to remove the cat.
If you know who is committing catalytic converter thefts or spot
any suspicious activity around vehicles, then please call Essex
Police on 0300 333 4444 as soon as possible.
Replacing a catalytic converter can cost between £700 - £3000,
whereas the price for a permanent marking kit is around £12.
For any further information please contact your local crime
reduction adviser on 0300 333 4444.