Man threatened with metal bar as he challenged masked men robbing him of catalytic converter

A man was threatened with a metal bar as thieves robbed him of his car's catalytic converter.
One of the suspects police would like to speak to about the robbery.One of the suspects police would like to speak to about the robbery.
One of the suspects police would like to speak to about the robbery.

Three masked men targeted a Toyota Prius in Brackenwood Drive, in Gledhow, at about 10.30pm on Wednesday, March 21.

While one of the men got under the car to remove the catalytic converter from the exhaust, the other two threatened the owner when he challenged them.

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One suspect walked towards him with a metal pole raised above his head, leaving the man terrified.

Another image of one of the men police would like to speak to.Another image of one of the men police would like to speak to.
Another image of one of the men police would like to speak to.

The men then fled the scene with the stolen part in a silver car, believed to be an old shape Citroen C4.

A catalytic converter is fitted to the exhaust system of a car or van and filters harmful particles.

They are made with rare precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.

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West Yorkshire Police have issued CCTV images of three men they would like to speak to about their investigation.

A second suspect.A second suspect.
A second suspect.

Anyone who recognises them or who has any information that could help is asked to contact the Leeds District Neighbourhood Impact Team via 101, quoting crime reference 13210197212 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

West Yorkshire Police said it was continuing to target the organised theft of catalytic converters.

What you should do to avoid catalytic converter thefts:

A third suspect police would like to speak to about the robbery.A third suspect police would like to speak to about the robbery.
A third suspect police would like to speak to about the robbery.
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To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen, you should:

Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area

Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult

Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter

A silver car used by the suspects.A silver car used by the suspects.
A silver car used by the suspects.
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If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath

If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing you bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it

For thefts occurring on driveways, consider the use of a Secured by Design (SBD) approved driveway alarm and sensor. This may assist in alerting you of a potential intruder entering your driveway or garden

If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.

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Alternatively, you can mark your catalytic converter. Please ensure any property marking is Secured by Design (SBD) approved

You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove. Toyota are offering a 'Catloc' for the Prius (3rd generation, 2009-2011 models) and Auris (2nd generation, 2012-2018 models). Please contact your Toyota dealership for more information

Speak to your dealership about the possibility of installing a Thatcham approved alarm and tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter

If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the Police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

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