Owners of small Honda and Toyota cars are being urged to be vigilant following a series of thefts in Grantham and Gainsborough.

Police report 4 cases involving Honda Jazz cars in Gainsborough last night, which follows the targeting of these cars and Honda Civics across the east Midlands.

The same part was also stolen from two Toyota Auris cars and one Toyota Yaris last night in Grantham.

These thefts occurred in London Road (x2) and Bradley Drive. Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system of vehicles. They are a target for thieves as they are coated in a precious metal that has a high value. Thieves cut the catalytic converter from a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers. What you can do to prevent becoming a victim? It is difficult to completely stop the threat but there are some things you can do to prevent the risk of catalytic converter theft:

• Park your car in a garage or secure area if possible.
• Park in well-lit and busy areas.
• If you have a fleet of cars, consider defensive parking.

This is where you block high clearance vehicles with low clearance ones to restrict the access underneath.

• If your catalytic converter is 'bolt on' consider having the bolts welded shut.

• Be aware of anyone looking underneath or working on cars in your area.

• Use a security marking kit to register your catalytic converter.

For more information on this and other safety tips go to www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/driving-roads-and-vehicles/catalytic-converter-theft/ People who have been a victim of this crime or seen suspicious activity are asked to call 101 quoting incident 49 of 2 December 2020. Those with information can remain completely anonymous by reporting to CrimeStoppers online or calling 0800 555 111.