A message to all and any :)

Car owners are being invited to have their vehicle's catalytic converter marked free of charge in a bid to prevent theft. The event is being organised by Northamptonshire Police and will take place on Wednesday 11 May at the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Weedon, Northampton, NN7 4PP, between 8.30am and 3.30pm.

Crime Prevention Officers will be on hand to give vehicle security advice and explain the benefits of marking the catalytic converter. The marking will be done by mechanics from the Force’s Transport Department.

The Force's Community Safety Manager, Laura Major, is keen to encourage motorists, particularly, to protect their vehicle by using this simple marking technique.

She explained: “Catalytic converters, part of the exhaust system, contain a number of rare metals which can make them valuable to thieves.

Owners of 4x4s and other vehicles with a high clearance tend to be the criminals’ prime choice as they are easier to access from underneath. Typically, the catalytic converters are cut or unbolted in just minutes.

While vehicle crime generally has fallen by nearly 25 per cent during the past year, we’ve unfortunately seen a small increase in catalytic converter theft over the last few months.

As such, we’re keen to make sure as many catalytic converters as possible are covertly and overtly marked. This will devalue the product to thieves and handlers of stolen goods, making it more difficult to sell on.

Each marking kit comes with a unique 'CAT' marking code. Once registered, the unique code can be married up with the vehicle registration details.

In the event of the catalytic converter being stolen and subsequently recovered, police can check details via a 24-hour helpline.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the free marking session on 11 May is asked to call Suzie Fletcher on 03000 111 222, ext 8422, to book a time slot.

It is important that an appointment is made otherwise it will not be possible to conduct the marking on the day.

Ooh,i wonder if they'll show me how they take fingerprints while i wait..?

I've got a rusty nail in the shed,I'm quite capable of etching my plate on my cat. Not that it'll stop it ending up on someone elses car.

Cant they just do police work instead?

Cheers for the link,btw. I drive in Northants every day. There's a shop i stop at,i'll let them know there'll be less bobbies protecting them at the mo.

not quite sure how this marking will devalue a cat, most pikeys have scrap yards that don't ask questions when they bring in a freshly hiab-ed stolen car so i can't see them questioning a cat with some markings on it

I originally thought this would have something to do with getting your name and address inscribed on your pets collar. Shame, as itd make a lot more sense.