Thieves target rare 'cat' metals

Thefts of catalytic converters that contain quantities of precious and rare metals are on the increase in Northamptonshire, police have said.

Incidents have occurred across the county and thieves are targeting vehicles with a large gap between the base of the vehicle and the ground.

Catalytic converters use platinum, palladium and rhodium to remove toxins.

Prices of the metals have soared making catalytic converters attractive to thieves, a police spokesman said.

"Thieves are known to strike in broad daylight, in busy areas. They look for easy targets and 4x4 vehicles are especially at risk because their catalytic converters are only bolted on," he said.

"It takes only three minutes to steal one, to either unbolt it or cut it out. Skilled thieves are even faster.

"If you know who is committing catalytic converter thefts or spot any suspicious activity around vehicles, then please inform the police as soon as possible."