WATCH: Thieves steal catalytic converter from car in just 60 seconds

  • Central

Nottinghamshire Police are warning drivers and members of the pubic to be vigilant following a spate of catalytic converter thefts in the area.

Catalytic converters- a part of the car which converts vehicle exhaust emissions into less toxic gases- are targeted because they contain high value metals.

There has been a rise in thefts of this kind both nationally and regionally, with 90 reported thefts between July and October 2019 in Nottinghamshire.

According to police, Honda and Toyota vehicles are some of the most common vehicle types to be targeted.

The latest in a spate of catalytic converter thefts took just 60 seconds for thieves to carry out:

In recent months there has been an increase of stolen catalytic converters across the county, mostly happening in car parks and open spaces but also on residential streets.

With the number of thefts increasing, the police are stepping up to crack down on the issue.

Earlier this month, two men were arrested after officers recovered nearly 200 catalytic converters worth around £20,000.

Officers also released CCTV footage last month where they were called to a theft at Clifton Park and Ride:

Detective Inspector Steve Wragg from Nottinghamshire Police urged the public "if you see anyone jacking a car up in a public car park, see anything that doesn't sit right or anyone acting strangely please call us"

The police are urging the public to note down car registration numbers and type of vehicle if they see anyone engaging in what could be suspicious activity.

They are also advising drivers to leave their cars in locations such as car parks and open, well-lit spaces where more people are likely to be passing by, as these areas offer natural security.

Certain vehicle manufacturers may also offer protective guards to prevent the car's catalytic converter from being stolen.

Police are appealing to anyone who recognises the suspects pictured in the CCTV footage to call 101, quoting incident number 183 of 12 December 2019.