Kent Police have made a series of arrests related to the theft of catalytic converters

A number of teenagers have been arrested by police over the theft of catalytic converters.

A total of eight arrests were made in west Kent during patrols on Friday, February 19 as efforts continue to crack down on an alarming rise in catalytic converter thefts in Kent and south east London.

And in one bust, officers arrested a 22-year-old from Greenhithe and three boys aged 17, 16 and 16 on the suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.

A catalytic converter and a knife were recovered from the scene, and all four were later bailed to return to police on March 17.

The 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, going equipped to steal, possession of an offensive weapon, drink driving and driving whilst under the influence of drugs. 

Other arrests took place in the Otford area during the evening of February 19 when they stopped a suspicious vehicle in the high street.

Tools and cutting equipment were recovered and a 19-year-old man from East Peckham and two boys, aged 14 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.

They were later released on bail to return to the police station on 10 March.

During the same evening another vehicle was stopped by officers in London Road, Sevenoaks.

In connection with the continuing work of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad to target suspects and prevent the theft of catalytic converters, a 36-year-old man from the Sevenoaks area was also arrested on Friday 19 February on suspicion of theft and assisting offenders.

He was released on bail until 16 March.

Last week, Met Police came close to catching multiple men suspected of stealing catalytic converters in Eltham.