After a wave of thefts of catalytic converters in Marlow, the town council and Thames Valley Police have warned residents Hybrid vehicles are targeted the most.

These thefts are usually being committed in the evening and early hours of the morning.

The most susceptible cars to catalytic thefts appear to be Honda, Toyota, and Lexus.

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A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas into less-toxic pollutants.

Being made from rhodium, palladium, and platinum even when they are stripped from the vehicles they can be sold for lucrative prices

The catalytic converters can be sawn off in a matter of minutes when the car is jacked up according to Thames Valley Police

Thieves can make between a reported £300 and £500 from every stolen converter.

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Drivers have been asked to consider installing security lighting and CCTV or to park vehicles in garages or other secure locations.

Converters can also be etched with unique serial numbers so they can be traced and if the car parts are 'bolt-on', the bolts can be welded shut.

Protective coverings can also be placed over the catalytic converters.