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Thieves target cars at hospital
CHEEKY thieves are stealing catalytic
converters from cars
parked at a Hampshire hospital -
right under the noses of police.
They have taken the valuable anti-pollution
devices as people visited sick relatives and
friends at the Royal Hampshire County
Hospital in Winchester.
The hospital car park is opposite the
Hampshire police's Romsey Road headquarters.
Police have now launched a surveillance
operation in a bid to catch the crooks.
The hospital is the latest place to be targeted
by thieves tempted by the three precious metals
- platinum, palladium and rhodium - contained
in catalytic converters.
Experts say a competent thief can remove
one in six minutes and sell it for at least £120.
As reported in the Daily Echo, several
motorists who went to this year's New Forest
Show had their catalytic converters stolen in
what has been described as a crimewave
sweeping the country.
It is understood thieves crawl under vehicles
and use hacksaws to remove the devices, leaving
motorists with huge repair bills.
A Hampshire police spokesman said: "We
can confirm that in response to a number of
catalytic converter thefts in recent weeks
police officers in Winchester have been conducting
covert operations in the area. Reports
of thefts have included the car park at the
Royal Hampshire County Hospital in
Winchester."
Police have alerted scrap metal dealers
across the county and warned them to be on
the lookout for stolen items.
The spokesman added that drivers should
mark their catalytic converters and leave their
vehicles in garages or well-lit car parks.
Police believe the devices are shipped to recycling
centres in Poland, Canada, China and
Latvia, where the metals are extracted.
A spokeswoman for the Royal Hampshire
County Hospital confirmed that up to ten catalytic
converters had been stolen from vehicles
in its smaller car park.
She added: "It has been happening at the
weekends so we have now closed the car park
at the weekends and stepped up patrols."
11:39am Thursday 7th August 2008
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CommentPosted by: Copycat Crook, reading the Echo on 11:43am Thu 7 Aug 08
I wonder where they got THAT idea from.
I wonder where they got THAT idea from.
Posted by: Words Fail Me, Hants on 12:09pm Thu 7 Aug 08
'Cheeky' is not the word I would have used to describe low-life scum like those carrying out these thefts. Is the car park CCTV not switched on??
'Cheeky' is not the word I would have used to describe low-life scum like those carrying out these thefts. Is the car park CCTV not switched on??
Posted by: Cheeky Monkey on 12:35pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Words Fail Me[/bold] wrote:
'Cheeky' is not the word I would have used to describe low-life scum like those carrying out these thefts. Is the car park CCTV not switched on??[/quote] Someone nicked it.
Words Fail Me wrote:
'Cheeky' is not the word I would have used to describe low-life scum like those carrying out these thefts. Is the car park CCTV not switched on??
Someone nicked it.
Posted by: Non-Driver on 12:50pm Thu 7 Aug 08
I love crimes against motorists. They're my favourite.
I love crimes against motorists. They're my favourite.
Posted by: Simon on 12:55pm Thu 7 Aug 08
The trip to the hospital would be a short one when a thief gets run over whilst mid-hack under the car.....
The trip to the hospital would be a short one when a thief gets run over whilst mid-hack under the car.....
Posted by: Anon, Southampton on 1:03pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote:
I love crimes against motorists. They're my favourite.[/quote] Have you ever been a driver or will you ever need transport yourself? How do you get around, 100% on foot?
Non-Driver wrote:
I love crimes against motorists. They're my favourite.
Have you ever been a driver or will you ever need transport yourself? How do you get around, 100% on foot?
Posted by: Sue, Southampton on 1:07pm Thu 7 Aug 08
To cal them cheeky is appalling journalism. It makes it out to be a game. It is criminal activity which could have devastating effects. I thought hospitals had security guards and CCTV . People who are finding life very difficult may not be able to afford the repair bills. They could be deprived of visiting dying relatives.Cheeky it is NOT. The thieves are criminals.
To cal them cheeky is appalling journalism. It makes it out to be a game. It is criminal activity which could have devastating effects. I thought hospitals had security guards and CCTV . People who are finding life very difficult may not be able to afford the repair bills. They could be deprived of visiting dying relatives.Cheeky it is NOT. The thieves are criminals.
Posted by: No FairCop, Winchester prison canteen on 1:08pm Thu 7 Aug 08
"right under the noses of police."
[bold]Now there's a surprise!![/bold] Too busy chasing motorists rather than protecting them!!
"right under the noses of police."
Now there's a surprise!! Too busy chasing motorists rather than protecting them!!
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 1:16pm Thu 7 Aug 08
denzil been busy again i see,he after a new 1 million pound house in chilworth.
denzil been busy again i see,he after a new 1 million pound house in chilworth.
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 1:21pm Thu 7 Aug 08
lol @ 'police warning scrap metal dealers'
Many of these people operate on the fringes of criminality and very few questions are asked when some hoody chav junkie rolls up to the yard with loads of obvious knock-off metal.
Our dearly beloved travellers have been dealing in scrap metal for decades and many of them are legit.
However - we all know how many lengths of railway track go missing or how telephone exchanges get targeted for the copper wire. Even OAPs bungalows suffer from having lead flashing ripped off their windows just for a few quid - the cost of replacing it is a major blow. Unless same pikeys call back a day or two later on the 'house repairs' wangle.
Have you ever dealt with scrap metal dealers? I recall theat lovely Richardon gang operating south of the Thames back in the Sixties. Tip of the iceberg
lol @ 'police warning scrap metal dealers'
Many of these people operate on the fringes of criminality and very few questions are asked when some hoody chav junkie rolls up to the yard with loads of obvious knock-off metal.
Our dearly beloved travellers have been dealing in scrap metal for decades and many of them are legit.
However - we all know how many lengths of railway track go missing or how telephone exchanges get targeted for the copper wire. Even OAPs bungalows suffer from having lead flashing ripped off their windows just for a few quid - the cost of replacing it is a major blow. Unless same pikeys call back a day or two later on the 'house repairs' wangle.
Have you ever dealt with scrap metal dealers? I recall theat lovely Richardon gang operating south of the Thames back in the Sixties. Tip of the iceberg
Posted by: Reality, Hants on 1:33pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Anon[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote: I love crimes against motorists. They're my favourite.[/quote] Have you ever been a driver or will you ever need transport yourself? How do you get around, 100% on foot?[/quote] No he's too busy hugging trees. Or one of the theives.
Anon wrote:
Non-Driver wrote: I love crimes against motorists. They're my favourite.
Have you ever been a driver or will you ever need transport yourself? How do you get around, 100% on foot?
No he's too busy hugging trees. Or one of the theives.
Posted by: Non-Driver on 1:40pm Thu 7 Aug 08
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
Posted by: Car-Driver on 1:56pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote:
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] I love driving past people like you... with no other reason than just for you to breathe in some dirty air and eat some dust.
Non-Driver wrote:
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
I love driving past people like you... with no other reason than just for you to breathe in some dirty air and eat some dust.
Posted by: James, Southampton on 2:04pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote:
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in.
Good argument tree hugger.
Non-Driver wrote:
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in.
Good argument tree hugger.
Posted by: Non-Driver on 3:06pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]James[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.[/quote] Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-)
What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha.
James wrote:
Non-Driver wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.
Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-)
What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha.
Posted by: Driver on 3:17pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]James[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.[/quote] Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-)
What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha. [/quote] Ho ho ho! Y'know, it's funny. The other day, my daughter collapsed on the floor writhing in agony, and I had to rush her to the hospital. Oh, the tears of hilarity were rolling down my cheeks as I found the cat' had been thieved from my car! Even at the funeral, I found it hard to contain my mirth! Ho ho ho
Non-Driver wrote:
James wrote:
Non-Driver wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.
Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-)
What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha.
Ho ho ho! Y'know, it's funny. The other day, my daughter collapsed on the floor writhing in agony, and I had to rush her to the hospital. Oh, the tears of hilarity were rolling down my cheeks as I found the cat' had been thieved from my car! Even at the funeral, I found it hard to contain my mirth! Ho ho ho
Posted by: James, Southampton on 4:18pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]James[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.[/quote] Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-) What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha. [/quote] lets hope your seat gets nicked off your bike. It wont be your ribs that hurt then.
hahaha (my ribs) ha ha.
Non-Driver wrote:
James wrote: Non-Driver wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.
Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-) What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha.
lets hope your seat gets nicked off your bike. It wont be your ribs that hurt then.
hahaha (my ribs) ha ha.
Posted by: Dangerous D, Eastleigh on 5:31pm Thu 7 Aug 08
You people are all so serious!! CHill-ax or you'll give yourself erectile disfunction!
You people are all so serious!! CHill-ax or you'll give yourself erectile disfunction!
Posted by: Finlay, Des Moines, Iowa on 5:32pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote]The hospital car park is opposite the Hampshire police's Romsey Road headquarters.
Police have now launched a surveillance operation in a bid to catch the crooks.[/quote]
Just look at the content of this anserine report. The thieves are gone the cat conv sold and now the Plod announce in the local press that they will have the area under 'surveillance'! Jeeeeezuz!
Save money guys and look out over the place once in while, next you can have the cars signwritten with times and dates of all your operations and hey! Forget about telling the public to keep their eyes open for criminals - A building filled with plod and billy the burglar right outside the door
[bold]You noodnigs[/bold]
The hospital car park is opposite the Hampshire police's Romsey Road headquarters.
Police have now launched a surveillance operation in a bid to catch the crooks.
Just look at the content of this anserine report. The thieves are gone the cat conv sold and now the Plod announce in the local press that they will have the area under 'surveillance'! Jeeeeezuz!
Save money guys and look out over the place once in while, next you can have the cars signwritten with times and dates of all your operations and hey! Forget about telling the public to keep their eyes open for criminals - A building filled with plod and billy the burglar right outside the door
You noodnigs Posted by: Mad Max, the prairies on 6:52pm Thu 7 Aug 08
I saw the headline and thought the the people who charge so much for parking at the hospitals had finally been outed....
I saw the headline and thought the the people who charge so much for parking at the hospitals had finally been outed....
Posted by: Denzil, Hampshire on 7:17pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]James[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]James[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.[/quote] Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-) What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha. [/quote] lets hope your seat gets nicked off your bike. It wont be your ribs that hurt then. hahaha (my ribs) ha ha.[/quote] I might like that, riding without a seat. That will wipe that smile off his face.
James wrote:
Non-Driver wrote: James wrote: Non-Driver wrote: I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
And of course cars with the converters missing create much more fumes for you to breathe in. Good argument tree hugger.
Most of them are rendered undrivable as a result :-) What is even more amusing is that it is mostly 4x4s because it is easier to get underneath one. Ha ha ha ha (my ribs) ha ha.
lets hope your seat gets nicked off your bike. It wont be your ribs that hurt then. hahaha (my ribs) ha ha.
I might like that, riding without a seat. That will wipe that smile off his face.
Posted by: gravygranules, southampton on 7:25pm Thu 7 Aug 08
selling them for at least £120 eh? ive just had to buy a 'new' cat for the mot and it cost £100....mite take it off myself and sell it..make myself 20 squid....nice one echo...
selling them for at least £120 eh? ive just had to buy a 'new' cat for the mot and it cost £100....mite take it off myself and sell it..make myself 20 squid....nice one echo...
Posted by: Denzil, Hampshire on 7:36pm Thu 7 Aug 08
I dig hung dudes
Posted by: PAUL B on 7:45pm Thu 7 Aug 08
THIS IS WHY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO WORK FOR MORE THAN A MONTH (WITHOUT A GOOD REASON) SHOULD BE ROUNDED UP, STERALISED AND FORCED INTO MANUAL LABOUR
THIS IS WHY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO WORK FOR MORE THAN A MONTH (WITHOUT A GOOD REASON) SHOULD BE ROUNDED UP, STERALISED AND FORCED INTO MANUAL LABOUR
Posted by: Jim, Southampton on 8:37pm Thu 7 Aug 08
See this is why the rest of the world sees the UK population as a bit useless. So, someone nicks a convertor, its nothing a bit of soldering and some aluminium cant fix (and usually works better as a result).
See this is why the rest of the world sees the UK population as a bit useless. So, someone nicks a convertor, its nothing a bit of soldering and some aluminium cant fix (and usually works better as a result).
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 8:42pm Thu 7 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Non-Driver[/bold] wrote:
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.[/quote] STOP PRESS:
A local cyclist was knocked down by a passing 4 x4 on a New Forest Road and the incident was witnessed by another motorist who pulled over in order to assist.
The Good Samaratin was met with a torrent of abuse from the injured cyclist lying in the road which was covered in blood.
The motorist then called the emergency services and a police car with accompanying paramadic were on the scene within ten minutes.
The officers and medic were also fought off by the irate cyclist who refused to be taken to any nearby hospital unless an eco friendly means of transport could be found.
Despite an immediate search, no horses or carriages were available and the injured man lapsed in to unconsciousness although managing a few more expletives in the last few minutes.
The inquest and funeral arrangements will be made within the next few days
Non-Driver wrote:
I walk or cycle everywhere, i love crimes against fume creating roboplegic wrong heads.
STOP PRESS:
A local cyclist was knocked down by a passing 4 x4 on a New Forest Road and the incident was witnessed by another motorist who pulled over in order to assist.
The Good Samaratin was met with a torrent of abuse from the injured cyclist lying in the road which was covered in blood.
The motorist then called the emergency services and a police car with accompanying paramadic were on the scene within ten minutes.
The officers and medic were also fought off by the irate cyclist who refused to be taken to any nearby hospital unless an eco friendly means of transport could be found.
Despite an immediate search, no horses or carriages were available and the injured man lapsed in to unconsciousness although managing a few more expletives in the last few minutes.
The inquest and funeral arrangements will be made within the next few days
Posted by: Sheik Cutoffa Dahandz, Middle East on 10:34pm Thu 7 Aug 08
Cut their little pikey hands off. What a world we have to live in.....
Cut their little pikey hands off. What a world we have to live in.....
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