Two Witnesses Help Police Arrest Thieves In Storrington

Two men have been arrested after two members of the public witnessed the theft of a catalytic converter and gave police their car reg numbers.

It happened just before midday on Tuesday (Sept 21) in Rectory Close in Storrington.

Two people witnessed the theft of the car part from a Honda Jazz and noted the registration numbers of two suspected vehicles involved - a Vauxhall Meriva and a Toyota Avenis – which made off from the scene.

Officers used ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology and located the two suspects in Bognor Regis, detaining them both.

A 26-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehicle, going equipped for theft from a vehicle and driving without insurance.

A 31-year-old man from Bexley was arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehicle and going equipped for theft from a vehicle.

Both suspects remain in police custody at this stage.

The Toyota driver decamped from his vehicle and remains outstanding; enquiries are ongoing to locate him.

Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.

Signs that thieves may be targeting a vehicle to steal a catalytic converter include the vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area, and a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle.

Witnesses or anyone with information can report online or call 101, quoting Operation Rhodium.

Advice on how to prevent catalytic converter thefts or recognise the signs it may be happening is available on our website here.