Chiltern and South Bucks Community Safety Partnership are encouraging residents to take certain precautions to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft.

A catalytic converter helps to reduce vehicle pollution by controlling and converting exhaust emissions from your vehicle into less toxic substances.

The most targeted vehicles (depending on model & year) are: Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz and Lexus RX400.

Manufacturers are working to reduce the risk of such thefts by relocating the catalytic converters to the engine bays rather than under the vehicle, however older models will remain vulnerable.

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The following advice can be taken to better protect your vehicle:

• When possible park vehicles in garages

• Park in busy well-lit areas

• Block high clearance vehicles by walls or hedges to prevent access to the underneath of the vehicle

• Security lighting can make vehicles more visible, improving natural surveillance

• Install CCTV to cover parking areas

• Consider property marking or securing a security cage or clamp

• Look out for people working under cars

For further vehicle security advice visit www.chiltern.gov.uk/vehiclecrime or www.southbucks.gov.uk/vehiclecrime.

Alternatively you can contact Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council’s joint Community Safety Team on 01494 586 535 or via email at Communitysafety@chilternandsouthbucks.gov.uk.