Police warning as car part thefts increase in Horsham District villages

Horsham Police said officers have seen an increase in catalytic converter thefts from cars in the Storrington and Pulborough areas.

A spokesman said: “A catalytic converter can be stolen within 30 seconds.

“To see information about how to secure your vehicle please go to our website.”

Last month a Horsham man issued a stark warning after a gang of hooded men tried to steal the catalytic converter from his car.

Jonny Washington-Jones, 25, said the brazen gang made a ‘blatant’ attempt at theft after jacking up his Mazda MX5 and taking a battery operated angle grinder to the underside late at night on January 20.

Just last week police in nearby East Grinstead launched a new scheme in a bid to halt catalytic converter thefts.

Thieves target the parts due to the valuable metals contained inside. Inspector Darren Taylor, of Mid Sussex police, said catalytic converters can sell for between £150 and £450.