On Wednesday 11 April, Safer York Partnership is launching Operation Bonafide to tackle increases in catalytic converter theft in the city.

Developed through the Partnership’s vehicle crime task group this is a joint initiative involving City of York Council Trading Standards and North Yorkshire Police. Following a successful pilot event in February, the partnership are now working with a number of local businesses to offer free catalytic converter security marking for York residents and businesses.

Members of the public can now contact any of the participating garages below to arrange a suitable time for them to take their vehicle along. In addition to security marking they will be given a distinctive window sticker indicating that the catalytic converter on their vehicle has been security marked. Participating garages marked with a * will also provide a free ‘health check’ of the vehicle.

Participating garages:
•North Eastern Tyres & Autocare* Centurian Park, Clifton Moor. Tel. 692500 (CARS ONLY)
•Glen Garage*, 12 Hawthorne Grove, Heworth, York. Telephone 425000 (CARS AND VANS)
•A.G. Motors*, Wheldrake Lane, Crockey Hill, York, YO19 4SN. Tel. 625890 (CARS AND VANS)
•Barker’s Garage*, Keswick Way, Huntington, York, YO32 9QP, Tel. 760020 (CARS AND VANS)
•Huntington Garage*, 67 North Moor Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9QN. Tel. 768808 (CARS ONLY)
•Halford’s*, Foss Islands Road, York (CARS ONLY)
•Drydals Garage, Hospital Fields Road, York YO10 4DZ, Tel. 633809 (CARS ONLY)

The garages will join local scrap dealers in working to disrupt catalytic converter theft by ensuring that any stolen catalytic converters attempted to be sold can be clearly identified through distinctive the distinctive security markings.

Between the 1 November 2011 and 9 March 2012, 40 catalytic converters were stolen in York forming part of a general increase in scrap metal theft. The most commonly targeted vehicles are Mercedes Sprinter vans. Owners of these vehicles are particularly encouraged to take this opportunity to get their catalytic converter marked. This project contributes to police activity under Operation Tornado, a national initiative to reduce metal theft.

Any garages interested in joining this initiative are asked to contact Dawn Clarkson, City of York Council Trading Standards on 01904 551827

Companies with multiple vehicles should first contact PCSO Kathryn Bean, Business Adviser, via e-mail: kathryn.bean@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk to arrange a venue and time for their fleet to be marked.

For more information please see www.saferyork.org.uk