New data obtained by this newspaper has revealed the number of catalytic converters stolen in east London last year.
Figures from Met Police show that in 2022, a total of 7,784 catalytic converter thefts were recorded in London, with a total figure of 43,702 thefts recorded between 2019 and 2022.
According to the strength, catalytic converters contain “precious metals” which have a high scrap value that are often sent abroad to be used.
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These devices are normally worth up to £600, with thefts “rising” according to the Met.
Here’s how many catalytic converter thefts the force recorded in six east London boroughs last year:
red bridge
Redbridge was ranked the 8th highest borough in London with 337 recorded burglaries for 2022.
Another 309 robberies were recorded in 2021, 530 robberies in 2020, and 435 in 2019.
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest was ranked 16th with 237 recorded thefts in 2022.
Another 244 robberies were registered in 2021, 402 in 2020 and 312 in 2019.
Newham
Newham ranked 18th with 235 recorded steals in 2022.
Another 211 robberies were registered in 2021, 396 in 2020 and 299 in 2019.
tower villages
Tower Hamlets was ranked 21st with 198 recorded burglaries in 2022.
Another 87 robberies were registered in 2021, 206 in 2020 and 164 in 2019.
barking and dagenham
Barking and Dagenham were ranked as the 28th arrondissement with 119 recorded burglaries in 2022.
Another 86 robberies were registered in 2021, 227 in 2020 and 196 in 2019.
havering
Havering was the East London borough with the fewest recorded catalytic converter thefts in 2022 and ranked 29th in London.
There were a total of 94 registered robberies in 2022.
Another 158 robberies were registered in 2021, 190 in 2020 and 157 in 2019.
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In total, there were 5,829 recorded catalytic converter thefts in the east London boroughs of Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Havering, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest between 2019 and 2022.
Commonly Targeted Brands
According to Met Police data, Honda was the most attacked car brand in London in January 2022, with a total of 357 catalytic converter thefts recorded.
Other data revealed that the most specific known model attacked in London was the Land Rover Range Rover, with a total of 92 thefts recorded in January 2022.
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A Met Police spokesman said: “Catalytic converters are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.
“Catalyst thefts most often happen in parking lots, but they can happen anywhere.
“Thieves can sell these converters through junkyards, online, or ship them out of the country.
“Hybrid vehicles are the most targeted as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft.”