A gang of thieves threatened a car owner with a metal bar in York.
It happened on Burton Green at 12.45pm on Saturday (12 December).
Three men wearing face coverings and headwear arrived a dark grey Volkswagen Golf.
They stole a catalytic converter from the victim’s car and one of them threatened the victim with a metal bar.
Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the grey Golf or anyone acting suspiciously.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police – details below.
The news comes days after police in York launched an operation to make the city a ‘no-go’ area for catalytic converter thieves.
In the four months from the start of August 2020, there were 21 incidents in which catalytic converters were stolen in the city. Offences typically occurred late at night on a Friday or Saturday, on driveways or on-street outside the victim’s home.
A thief can cut a catalytic converter out of a vehicle in minutes – leaving the owner having to deal with insurance claims and expensive repair work.
While there is a legitimate market for second-hand catalytic converters, thieves target them for the scrap value of the precious metals found inside.
How to help the police
| Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Antony Lockey Smith | |
| Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website |
| Email PC Lockey Smith here | |
| Quote reference number 12200227679 |