POLICE are warning motorists and scrap metal dealers about a sharp increase in catalytic converter thefts.

There have been 40 incidents of the motoring part being stolen from vehicles in Gloucestershire since the beginning of August.

Police are attributing the rise to high metal prices and it is suspected that many of the stolen converters are being sold to scrap metal dealers for cash.

Detective Inspector Steve Porter said: "This is a real concern of ours and while we are working hard to gather intelligence and target the offenders we need both more information and greater vigilance from the public.

"The theft of a catalytic converter can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to someone’s vehicle, not to mention the inconvenience of having to get it repaired.

"On top of that a car without a catalytic converter will release more harmful pollutants into the air and will be excessively noisy."

Anyone who has any information about catalytic converter thefts should call Gloucestershire Police on 0845 090 1234.

Scrap dealers are also urged to call if they are offered the car part.

Police advice on protecting your car includes marking the catalytic converter with a serial number, parking between vehicles and buildings to block access and getting security lighting over your driveway.