STAFFORDSHIRE Police have launched a pilot scheme to tackle catalytic converter crimes across the county.

The scheme centres around the smart water marking of converters to help better identify stolen items and link them to victims and help deter criminals from stealing them.

Members of the public can now take their vehicles to their respective manufacturers for catalytic converter marking, as part of the scheme which has also seen Neighbourhood Policing Teams step up proactive efforts in key areas across Staffordshire to help reduce the opportunity for catalytic converter thefts to occur.

Chief Inspector David Wain, South Staffordshire’s National Policing Team Commander, said: “South Staffordshire have been working with the private sector to apply smart water markings to catalytic converters, which enables stolen items to be linked to victims and is a key step in stopping these criminals.”

Sergeant Ian Fortey said: “This project has been focused towards providing a means to identify stolen catalytic converters. This has been achieved through collaborative working with car manufacturers and coupled with increased proactive patrols, where we aim to bring people to justice.”