Police are asking people who see anyone tampering with the underside of a vehicle, in unusual circumstances, to call them following a spate of exhaust systems thefts in East Cheshire.
In the past month fifteen drivers have returned to their parked vehicles to find that part of the exhaust system has been removed. In some cases they have driven away before realising there was a problem.
Detective Sergeant Dan Ackerley, in charge of the Cheshire Police Eastern Area vehicle Crime Unit said, “These thieves are getting under the vehicles and simply sawing sections of the exhaust away.
“They are particularly keen on 4 x 4s; probably because they are higher off the ground, giving more space for the thief to work. The thefts usually happen in the evening and the cars involved have been left on car parks."
However during the morning of April 26th a catalytic converter was stolen from a secure and unattended vehicle parked on Ryleys Lane in Alderley Edge. The silver Volkswagen Golf was situated in a local parking area.
Other thefts have occurred at Total Fitness in Handforth, Middlewich Town Centre, Nantwich and there have also been some reports of similar crimes around Chester.
“The thieves have obviously found a market for the parts they are stealing. We would ask anyone who sees someone working on the underside of a vehicle in unusual circumstances to call us immediately.
“We also ask anyone who finds their car exhaust system has been tampered with to let us know and not to move the vehicle until a Crime Scene Investigator arrives. A detailed check of the vehicle while it is still in situ is very valuable to this type of investigation.”
Anyone who sees any suspicious activity which might be connected to these thefts, or anyone whose vehicle is targeted, is asked to call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000.
Anyone with information about the thefts can call the same number or leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
