No NOT moggie, but cats on cars. As a NHW co in ordinator I receive a lot of warnings and it seems that in Warks  CAT thefts are on the increase.

From Warwickshire Police: We’ve seen a recent spate in catalytic converter thefts. Most vehicles have catalytic converters, which can be stolen for the value of the metal or illegally re-sold. Thieves tend to target hybrid cars as the value of their converter is higher while vans/4x4s have a larger ground clearance meaning they are more easily accessible.

From my experience, Transits and Ford Rangers are top of the list.

 

Are there many Transits and Rangers around your way getting their cats nicked? Is it people you know?

https://www.flexerent.co.uk/blog/bid/284670/van-security-and-catalytic-converter-theft

 

https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/manufacturer-news/2019/11/19/rapid-rise-in-catalytic-converter-thefts

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/477261-stealing-catalytic-converters-is-a-dangerous-game-to-play

 

Edited 2 February, 20206 yr by Roottootemblowinootsoot

Apparently it's the market for palladioum and rhodium. Price is up so cats are looking worth the effort again.

 

Allegedly older cars are more desirable (for the scrotes) the cats are bigger and easier to get off.

 

Older hybrids are what is being looked for especially Prius. There is a shortage of spare cats and apparently the scrotes are wating on the insurance replacment before nicking the cat again. Insurnce companies are allegedly refusing insurance on some owners after multiple thefts.

 

Toyota selling a Catloc device now.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/feb/01/catalytic-converter-thefts-hybrid-car-insurance-toyota-prius

 

https://blog.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft-how-to-protect-your-car

We had an email circulated from our works property management team; on one afternoon one Honda Jazz had it's cat removed and they were in progress of taking the cat from a Honda Civic (or vice versa) before being approached/disturbed   This was during business hours in a busy car park, which is overlooked by a few 2-5 storey buildings.   

 

When they were challenged they stopped working on the Jazz and just attempted to steal/driveaway in the Civic.  There had been a spate of similar incidents wherein Japanese cars were being targeted. 

 

 

Chap I have known for 4 years recently sold his Black Mk1 Octavia Vrs and bought a Black Audi A4 S-Line 2.0TFSi which is a 2011 car. Thieves walked into our car park unlocked the Audi without the alarm going off and drove off at 5.45pm as office staff were getting into their cars to drive home. Chap came out at 6pm to find the Audi gone. Desirable is not always better it seems.

6 minutes ago, shyVRS245 said:

Chap I have known for 4 years recently sold his Black Mk1 Octavia Vrs and bought a Black Audi A4 S-Line 2.0TFSi which is a 2011 car. Thieves walked into our car park unlocked the Audi without the alarm going off and drove off at 5.45pm as office staff were getting into their cars to drive home. Chap came out at 6pm to find the Audi gone. Desirable is not always better it seems.

 

Risk vs reward.

 

It's easier to nick and fence older cars. Expensive motors are more likely to have better security, and just to be more notable than and older 'normal car'.

Stealing Ferraris etc is for the specialists.

 

Sory in the local press of soneone's Jazz having the cat nicked. Is it Japanese cars that are of particular note in this? Everything I've read is Honda / Toyota.

Edited 3 February, 20206 yr by Aspman

Redditch, Worcestershire last week. In broad daylight.
 

 

That is quite scary how fast they can do it.

If the government shuts down every branch of JD Sports these twunts wouldn't have any uniform to operate in. 

1 hour ago, penguin17 said:

If the government shuts down every branch of JD Sports these twunts wouldn't have any uniform to operate in. 

The car thief was in standard issue black clothing with a black hoodie to match. Can't confirm where his trainers were purchased our cameras are not upto MI5 standards.

3 hours ago, penguin17 said:

If the government shuts down every branch of JD Sports these twunts wouldn't have any uniform to operate in. 

 

Or anywhere to drink

 

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/edinburgh-pub-bans-jobby-catchers-and-mankles-sartorial-crackdown-1378280

 

3 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

Chap I have known for 4 years recently sold his Black Mk1 Octavia Vrs and bought a Black Audi A4 S-Line 2.0TFSi which is a 2011 car. Thieves walked into our car park unlocked the Audi without the alarm going off and drove off at 5.45pm as office staff were getting into their cars to drive home. Chap came out at 6pm to find the Audi gone. Desirable is not always better it seems.

The risk with keyless entry systems is much greater.

Just now, PetrolDave said:

The risk with keyless entry systems is much greater.

His Octavia had a key, the Audi KESSY.

5 minutes ago, shyVRS245 said:

His Octavia had a key, the Audi KESSY.

My point exactly ...

Do the Civic, Jazz or Prius not have tilt sensors built into the OEM alarms? Or do Japanese cars omit tilt sensors?

 

The last 3 cars we have had owned (Seat, Ford & VW) would have triggered the alarm before one of the wheels left the floor.

13 hours ago, Bogwoppit said:

Do the Civic, Jazz or Prius not have tilt sensors built into the OEM alarms? Or do Japanese cars omit tilt sensors?

 

The last 3 cars we have had owned (Seat, Ford & VW) would have triggered the alarm before one of the wheels left the floor.

 

they don't seem to be very sensitive if they have them. I've seen a few comments to that effect that the owner was surprised/shocked that the alarm didn't go off. I know I've given some cars a good shake and no alarm has gone off.

My thread started last week.

 

On 03/02/2020 at 10:09, Aspman said:

Apparently it's the market for palladioum and rhodium. Price is up so cats are looking worth the effort again.

 

 

Yup... said this in the other thread too - palladium price has shot up recently. My wedding ring is worth 3 1/2 times its value when i got hitched in 2012..

But sadly- I'd like to see pussy cat thefts increase in my area. Out in the rear garden they think a 6" ft fence means it's all over ,when thy reach it. Had a fwwith near misses on tail, as they forget that a JRT can clear a 5" one.

Tbf , a 6inch fence isnt very tall

 

 

Edited 12 February, 20206 yr by mac11irl

Mac- not to us, but when you're the size of a JRT ,as per photo, and to give a scale - the shovel to her right is a standard rail ballast shovel it is a huge jump . ( Something AG will find out in months to come)

My info on how cats are stolen ( the metal ones, that is ) comes from a photo on NHW showing thieves in action on two cars.

23 hours ago, VWD said:

Mac- not to us, but when you're the size of a JRT ,as per photo, and to give a scale - the shovel to her right is a standard rail ballast shovel it is a huge jump . ( Something AG will find out in months to come)

My info on how cats are stolen ( the metal ones, that is ) comes from a photo on NHW showing thieves in action on two cars.

 

I think you may have missed my typo based humour

 

Woops -Mac- yes, but strangely enough one of next door's panels has blown down and left a 6" ( no typo ) barrier. She's not bothered to investigate.