2:00pm Saturday 13th March 2010
By Emily Parsons
MOTORISTS are being urged to get their catalytic converters security-coded after a series of thefts across north Essex.
A total of 11 vehicles have been targeted by thieves in the Colchester and Tendring area since the beginning of the month.
Three of the thefts took place in West Mersea – in Windsor Road, Mersea Avenue, and Waldegraves Lane – one took place in Church Road, Tiptree, and a fifth in Gardenia Walk, Colchester.
Thieves have also struck in Faraday Close and Oakwood Business Park, both in Clacton, in Copford Green, Copford, and Colchester Road, in Great Bentley.
The most recent incidents reported to police happened on Tuesday night and Wednesday daytime, in St Peter’s Road, and Muscade Close, Tiptree.
Sgt Andy Drake, from the Tiptree and Mersea neighbourhood policing team, said: “We’re really keen drivers of 4x4s and vans are aware these incidents have taken place, so they can take the necessary steps to prevent it.
“When at all possible, park your van in a secure garage, or reverse park it into a space against walls or hedges, making it difficult for a thief to access the converter.
“Failing that, ensure it is left in a well-lit area. If you own a business, and keep the business van on site at night, invest in a security system, such as an alarm for the fence.
“Consider getting the converter engraved with a security code, so in the event it is ever stolen, it can be returned to you if it is recovered.”
Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in target areas, but are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Sgt Drake at Tiptree police station on 0300 3334444.
For more information on vehicle security, contact Colin Stiff, Colchester’s crime reduction officer, on 01206 717624.
* Three men, aged 20, 21 and 23 from the Cressing area, were arrested in Braintree on Wednesday, on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.
They were bailed until March 29 pending further inquiries.
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