Back
Stolen catalytic converters recovered in nation-wide crackdown
22 May 2021
Recently, we talked about the fact that catalytic converter theft accounted for three-in-ten of all theft claims. Since then more than 1,000 stolen catalytic converters have been recovered and more than 50 thieves have been arrested in a nation-wide crackdown organised by the British Transport Police.
The operation, codenamed Goldiron, was the result of a collaboration between the British Transport Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC), led by the Environment Agency, Smartwater Group and the motor industry.
Goldiron involved intelligence-led visits of 926 sites - such as catalytic converter process plants, scrap metal dealers, vehicle dismantlers and catalytic converter buyers – to search for stolen goods and ensure that the companies were compliant with the 2013 Scrap Metal Dealers Act. The operation also included forensic marking and educational events.
The operation succeeded in:
- Recovering 1,037 stolen catalytic converters and 297 items of stolen property between 19 and 23 April 2021.
- Making 56 arrests.
- Stopping 664 vehicles.
- Identifying 244 offences.
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Lead for Metal Crime, BTP Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle, said, “The positive results from this week are testament to why it’s vital we join forces to share information and specialist knowledge to disrupt those operating in this area of crime.
“By taking a multi-agency approach, we are maximising our ability to identify those who are involved in catalytic converter theft, making it harder for them to sell stolen metal and gain from their criminal activities.”
Contract hire and fleet management
Marshall Leasing is a Bank of Ireland owned business which offers a commercial and flexible approach to business contract hire, contract purchase, sale and leaseback for car and LCV fleets and management of purchased fleets.
If you would like to find out more about our contract hire and fleet management services, please get in touch with us at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. Alternatively, please complete our contact form.
Back