Home   Dartford   News   Article

Ring doorbell in Dartford catches footage of thieves stealing catalytic converter from Toyota Prius

Footage from a doorbell camera spotted a trio of bandits stealing a catalytic converter from a car parked on the driveway of someone's home.

On Thursday at around 10.30pm three men made quick work of removing the car part from a Toyota Prius parked on a drive in Burnham Crescent, Dartford.November24

The video shows one man under the car while two men keep watch.

It lasts just more than a minute, before the three men are seen getting in the same car and driving off.

Owner Carle De Vries was shocked by the blatancy of the crime.

He said: "I cannot believe how brazen they were.

"I was banging on the window and that still did not deter them."

Burnham Crescent Dartford. Picture: Google Street View
Burnham Crescent Dartford. Picture: Google Street View

He posted the video to Facebook hoping to warn others.

The police were also made aware of the crime and have been asked for further information.

Catalytic converter thefts have seen a surge in recent years with thieves often targetting hybrid cars which contain a higher concentration of the precious metal palladium.

It is a shiny white metal in the same group as platinum with its key commercial being a critical component in catalytic converters.

The metal has increased in value in recent years, causing the car part to become more susceptible to thievery.

Thefts of catalytic converters has increased over the years
Thefts of catalytic converters has increased over the years

Days prior to this crime, Carl also recorded two men attempting to steal his motorcycle from his driveway.

Carl is now having an after-market catalytic converter placed on his car which will then be locked behind a catalytic converter protector.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More