Family behind catalytic converter thefts in London are snared by Brent Police
A recovered catalytic converter, left, and the tools used to steal them - Credit: Archant
Six family members face jail for their involvement in the theft of more than 150 catalytic converters from cars in Brent and across London.
The McDonagh family - Gerard, 31, Martin, 37, Joseph, 31 John, 32, all from Edmonton, Michael, 31, from Wood Green, and Kevin, 19, from Enfield, admitted being part of a sophisticated crime syndicate who struck across the city.
It is believed the converters, which stop harmful exhaust gasses being emitted by cars, were stolen as they contain precious metals such as platinum and palladium.
The gang were caught after detectives at Brent Police launched in an investigation following a catalogue of thefts in the borough.
The family were indentified through surveillance work, forensic evidence and CCTV.
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Other evidence showed that they were placed in vicinity at the time of the thefts.
At Harrow Crown Court, Gerard, Martin, Joseph, Michael and Kevin admitted conspiring with each other to steal catalytic converters from motor vehicles.
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John pleaded guilty to five counts of theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles.
There has been a slump in catalytic converters thefts across London since their arrest.
Detective Sergeant Mick Walker, investigating officer, said: “This family were heavily involved in organised and lucrative criminality.
“Due to the diligence of the investigation team the gang were left with no option but to plead guilty at their first opportunity.
“This shows that the met police is committed to identifying and dismantling organised criminal networks that prey on innocent victims.”
All six will be sentenced on October 3.
