If you run a car you need to be aware of the risk of catalytic converter theft, particularly if your car has large ground clearance. Thieves are targeting catalysts - located in the exhaust system under the vehicle - because of the high value of the precious metals they contain.  With precious metal prices rising steadily, the demand for parts that contain them is rising. As a result, the risk of theft of catalytic converters has occured. There were three such crimes overnight on 2nd October 2013 in Cheylesmore and Earlsdon.

Catalytic converters (CATs) have been fitted in the exhaust of the majority of petrol cars manufactured since 1992 and diesel cars since 2001.

To reduce the risk of theft of your car's catalytic converter:

• Garage your car whenever possible
• Park in well-lit busy areas
• Look out for people working under cars
• If the car's high risk consider marking the metal shell of the converter with a unique mark (the car registration), so that if it is removed by thieves it will be easier to trace back to your vehicle