Motorists in South Bucks are being urged to be vigilant after a spate of catalytic converter thefts, with several incidents in the last few days.

Police have warned that the series of crimes could be linked, and that vehicles could be targeted in other areas for the precious metal contained in the parts.

At 12.20am on January 3 at Hayden Farm in Henley, offenders attempted to steal the catalytic converter from a Mercedes Sprinter van, damaging the vehicle in the process.

Offenders also forced entry to a warehouse, several cases of alcohol were stolen.

Overnight on January 3 to 4, offenders stole the catalytic converter from a Mercedes Sprinter van and damaged a second Mercedes Sprinter van. 

The vehicles were parked outside their owners’ businesses on the Watlington Industrial Estate.  

Also, between 9pm on Sunday, January 4 and midnight on Monday, January 5, catalytic converters were stolen from two Mercedes vans and an Iveco Daily from units across the Van Alloys Industrial Estate, with most of the vehicles sustaining damage in the process.

With the price of the precious metals soaring in recent years, police say thieves are looking to target high clearance vehicles to gain a substantial return for a few minutes work.

For advice on keeping your vehicle safe, including advice on forensic etching for catalytic converters, visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/catalytic-convertor-theft