POLICE have warned motorists of the six car types being targeted for catalytic converters.

Thames Valley Police said there has been an increase in the thefts across the area in recent months.

Since the start of 2020, there have been 1,210 catalytic converter thefts reported to the force.

It said this has also increased since August, and many of these incidents are believed to be linked.

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Catalytic converters contain small amounts of the precious metals platinum, palladium, and rhodium which can be sold at high prices.

Detective Superintendent Jim Weems, Head of Intelligence, said: “We are taking these offences seriously and investigating in our efforts to identify and arrest offenders.

“It appears there are a number of factors contributing to the increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles. Significantly, they contain precious metals, from which criminals are profiting.

“Not only does it cause distress and inconvenience, it is likely to cost victims to replace it and repair any damage to the vehicle.”

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The force said thieves are commonly targeting car such as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, Honda Civic, Honda CRVs and Lexus RX400 while parked.

In many of the cases, offenders use car jacks to lift the vehicle and are able to remove the catalytic converter in a matter of minutes.

Drivers are urged to weld on bolted converters, consider CCTV, and put a unique serial number on it. Police also said parking with the front of your car close to a wall, and not parking on the end of a row will help make it more difficult to access.

Det Supt Weems added: “You may see what appears to be people carrying out repairs or work to a car but please look closely and report any suspicious activity to us immediately.

"Within moments, the catalytic converter may be gone. If you see such a crime in progress, please call 999 immediately.”