Police have warned city folk about a spate of catalytic converter thefts across Norwich.
Officers say thieves have been targetting car parks at Norwich Airport and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) in the latter part of 2022 and at the start of the new year.
An extraordinary rise in the price of the precious metals contained within catalytic converters means they have become a valuable commodity for thieves.
Now officers have told people in the city to watch out for criminals with cutting tools in high-visibility jackets jacking up cars.
Police say folk should park next to a wall or fence if possible and avoid parking with their wheels elevated.
They say getting a catalytic converter marked at a garage is one way to ensure the part is returned when thieves are caught and told people to park in an area covered by CCTV if possible.
A police spokeswoman said: "Since late November there has been a spate of catalytic converter thefts across Norwich.
"These incidents have predominantly taken place in car parks and have included areas such as Norwich Airport and the NNUH.
"Police are urging drivers to be aware and to contact Norfolk Police if you see anything suspicious by calling 101."
It comes after a nurse returning from a gruelling shift at the hospital returned to her car to see her catalytic converter gone in April last year.
Thieves also removed parts from three Honda Jazz vehicles parked in the UEA's Triangle Car Park on the same day.
There were 394 catalytic converter thefts in Norfolk in 2020, the most recent figures available, which was more than a threefold increase on the previous 12 months.
It is thought the increase is being driven by one metal in particular – rhodium – which has rocketed in price from around £2,200 per ounce at the start of 2019 to £8,769, meaning a couple of ounces costs more than a new car.
Norwich police officer sergeant Jason Ellis said: "Recently our county has been hit hard with catalytic converter thefts.
"It's mainly in large car parks, it will look like normal vehicle maintenance, but it isn't."
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