EEC is helping motorists close to one of their major manufacturing facilities improve the security of their vehicles this May.

The UK’s largest manufacturer of aftermarket catalytic converters is working with South Derbyshire Police to help reduce the rate of catalytic converter thefts in the county, with a special action day taking place on Thursday 17th May.

Residents and businesses are invited to visit EEC between 9am and 1pm to decrease their chances of becoming a victim of crime, and see what products are available to protect their means of travel.

European Exhaust and Catalyst will be offering vans and 4×4 vehicles the chance to security mark their catalytic converters to make them more easily identifiable to local scrap merchants, where thieves commonly sell the metals after they have been stolen.

Officers from the local North West Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team will be present in a mobile police station, alongside various companies specialising in vehicle crime.

Paul Clark, Managing Director, EEC, comments: “Catalytic converter theft is a major problem across the UK, and as a major manufacturer of these products, it’s our duty to help support our customers and reduce the level of vehicle crime in our local community.”

The event comes after over 40 catalytic converters were stolen in just two weeks during April in South Derbyshire, with an increasing number likely due to the continued high value of scrap metal.

Chris Smith, Communities Manager from Safer South Derbyshire Partnership, comments: “Due to the high scrap value of catalytic converters, more and more are being taken and it is usually from 4×4’s and vans as they are easier to get underneath than standard cars. If you do have a van or 4×4 please think about where you are parking it and if at all possible keep it locked in a garage.”

“This is another good example of partner agencies and local businesses like European Exhaust and Catalyst coming together to make South Derbyshire an even safer place to live, work and visit.”

You can get more information about the day by calling the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership on 01283 595 924, and more about EEC by visiting www.eurocats.co.uk.