>> This is a message form Northamptonshire Police to all Neighbourhood 
>> Watch Contacts
>>
>> Please be aware- Catalytic Converters are high on the criminals list 
>> at the moment. There have been a few thefts in the rushden and Corby 
>> areas recently. Anne Street in Corby was targeted last night.
>>
>> The high price of precious metals is leading to a rise in thefts of 
>> catalytic converters from a wide range of motor vehicles.
>> The average catalytic converter contains one to two grams of three 
>> precious metals - platinum, palladium, and rhodium - and the 
>> international prices of these metals have risen by 67%, 200%, and 
>> 600% respectively over the past two years.
>> A competent thief can, say experts, remove a converter in just six 
>> minutes and sell it for up to £150.
>>
>> Please keep a look out and remember to report any suspicious activity 
>> to Northamptonshire Police on the number provided below.
>>
>> Crime Prevention advice
>> Steer clear of car crime click here- 
>> http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/SteerClearCar06?view=Binary
>> Call the Northamptonshire Police switchboard on 08453 700700 or 999 
>> in an emergency. Alternatively call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
>>
>> If you do not want to receive future Community Messages please email 
>> rushden@crime-prevention.co.uk if you live in North Northants or 
>> daventry@crime-prevention.co.uk if you live in West Northants. If you 
>> are not sure which area to email please click maps here to find which 
>> area you live in- http://www.northants.police.uk/sct/
>>
>> Northamptonshire Community Messaging
>>