Police in Dundee have teamed up with local garages to crackdown on a sharp rise in catalytic converter' thefts.
Officers have seen a sharp rise in the specific thefts from vehicles across Tayside - especially Hondas.
The rising value of precious metals found in catalytic converters, means things like rhodium and palladium are often more expensive than gold, with converters selling for as much as £500 on the black market.
And that has led to a demand to replace stolen catalytic converters with cheaper second hand ones has increased.
A catalytic converter is located in a car’s exhaust system and cleans gases before they leave the exhaust pipe - cars must be fitted with one by law.
Police have now approached local Honda dealers and have obtained catalytic convertor marking kits - supplied by SelectaDNA.
And working in partnership with partners at West End Honda and City Quay Car Services, owners of these vehicles can have their converters protected free of charge.
James Ewart , managing Director of West End Honda said “We’re delighted to work in partnership with Tayside Policing Division in regards to this initiative.
“Our staff have received training from SelectaDNA which was arranged by the police and we will offer this service free of charge when someone’s vehicle is an identified risk and is at one of our premises having work carried out.
“We believe the reason for these thefts are likely due to the high scrap value of Honda’s catalytic convertors.”
While PC Steven McKay of Tayside Police said: “We were aware of this crime series and tried to come up with a new way of preventing and deterring them from happening.
“We always look to work with new partners to find ways of preventing crime.
“There will be no need to contact the Honda premises, staff there will know which vehicles are more of a target and will offer this service to their customers while their vehicle is having other work done.
“While the volume of these crimes has fallen dramatically since last year, the persons responsible will likely be active again the future, so now is a good time to take steps to ensure you don’t become a victim”.
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