Thieves turn to targeting exhausts

Midland gardaí are warning motorists to be vigilant for metal thieves who have turned their attention to vehicle exhaust systems.

Gardaí in Birr, Co Offaly, appealed for information following the thefts of catalytic converters from four vehicles in the town in one night. It is believed they were stolen because they contain small amounts of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, or rhodium.

The thieves cut the converters, which are thought to be worth about €150 in scrap, from the vehicles, leaving owners with large repair bills.

A Garda spokesman said that between May 30 and 31, “four vehicles were targeted. Three jeeps and a van with their catalytic converters removed.”

Gardaí are warning motorists to park their vehicles in secure locations. Four-wheel drives are commonly targeted as thieves can easily access the heightened underside.

Witnesses can contact Birr Garda Station on 057 9169710.