Police warn criminals are targeting a certain type of car in theft – are you in danger?

The POLICE warn drivers about a certain type of car that poses the greatest risk of theft.

Catalytic converters have been stolen from private driveways in a string of car thefts – with Honda Jazz vehicles reportedly being a popular target.

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There have been a number of off-home motor thefts in the last month, mainly in the Liverpool area.

And while the Honda hatchback has reportedly been the most targeted, hybrid cars in general could be affected.

Thefts do not only take place in household driveways, the crimes are often committed in broad daylight.

Merseyside Police are warning thieves who may be carrying out repair work on a car or wearing reflective vests to ‘hide in plain sight’, reports have reported The Liverpool Echo.

To prevent your catalytic converter from buckling, there are a few things you can do.

Purchasing a device called a “cat lock” can secure the piece on your vehicle.

This is especially recommended for those who have been theft victims in the past, as it could be helpful if a burglar tries to hit your car twice, thinking it’s an easy target.

Homeowners with CCTV or doorbell cameras should also consider backing onto their driveways.

This means the rear of your car is monitored – which can both deter would-be thieves and help catch them if they’re targeting your car.

If you have a gate, locking it with a sturdy chain can also help to deter car thieves.

And with the current group of thieves reportedly using cunning methods to hit people’s cars, anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is advised to call 101 or 999.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “If you see someone acting in this way under cars in car parks, CCTV, photos, video or dashcam footage of the people involved and details of the vehicles they were using will be crucial, to help us arrest perpetrators.

“Call us on 999 if you think you are witnessing a crime in progress, or on 101 if you have information or footage of an incident at a later date.

“These thieves are bold and often commit their crimes in crowded areas on the basis that no one will report what they see.

“Please help us catch these perpetrators by reporting anyone acting suspiciously under cars in parking lots.”

SECRET TECHNIQUE TO KEEP YOUR ENGINE SECURE

Car thefts are on the rise across the country with over 108,000 vehicles hit in England and Wales in March 2021-March 2022.

The tip prompted former car thief Michael Fraser to offer his insider knowledge to help Brits keep their cars safe.

Speaking to BBC News, he stunned viewers with a simple technique that will keep would-be burglars at bay.

Michael, who is now a home security expert, said simply turning the wheels toward the curb will immediately stop criminals from attacking your car.

He told BBC News: “If you look down the road, ninety-nine per cent of us park parallel with our wheels dead straight.

“One percent will turn their wheels into the curb or toward another car. You will never find out that the car is stolen.”

This simple trick reportedly throws off a would-be crook fearing he would have trouble getting away with your car.

Wasting precious moments spinning the wheels back and backing in and out while spinning the wheels back toward the road can mean the difference between an escape or being caught.

The technique also activates your car’s automatic wheel lock when you turn the wheels after removing the key from the ignition.