Gang of hooded men jack up Horsham man’s car and attempt to steal catalytic converter

A Horsham man has spoken of the ‘devastating’ moment a group of hooded men tried to steal the catalytic converter from his car.
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Jonny Washington-Jones, 25, said the brazen gang made a ‘blatant’ attempt at theft after jacking up his Mazda MX5 and taking a battery operated angle grinder to the underside late last night, January 20.

The sales manager, who lives in Barttelot Road, added: “The audacity they had to do something in such a public place. It’s unbelievable.

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“It’s totally unacceptable, especially during times like these.”

Jonny Washington-Jones disturbed a group of men who he says were trying to steal parts from his carJonny Washington-Jones disturbed a group of men who he says were trying to steal parts from his car
Jonny Washington-Jones disturbed a group of men who he says were trying to steal parts from his car

Catalytic converter theft is fairly common, but Jonny said he never expected his car to be targeted.

In October last year police warned people to be on their guard following a spate of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in the town.

Although the men failed to steal the car part, which is targeted because of high-value precious metals it contains, Jonny said he now expects to face a bill of several hundred pounds to get his car back on the road.

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He said he heard an angle grinder, before spotting the men around his car which had been jacked up. Jonny shouted in an attempt to deter the men before contacting the police.

He added: “It was devastating. It was almost like something from a movie. I didn’t think stuff like this happened in real life.

“It was just mindblowing to see something so aggressive happen.

“I still can’t actually accept that it happened.”

Jonny said he is really passionate about cars and had only recently upgraded his Mazda. But now he says he will have to replace the vehicle, which he ‘really loves’, before it is targeted again.

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He added: “I shouldn’t have to make decisions like this. They just have no remorse these people.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Sussex Police received a report at 8.46pm on Wednesday (20 January) of a vehicle being damaged in Barttelot Road, Horsham by a group of about four men.

“Officers arrived at the location eight minutes later and conducted an areas search but the suspects were not located.

“Anyone with information to assist the police investigation is asked to report it online or call 10 quoting reference 1115 of 20/01.”