Brazen thieves have been sawing off the valuable car parts from cars parked up along and near the A4010 Bradenham Road in West Wycombe.

West Wycombe Parish Council has warned dog walkers about a string of incidents that have happened in broad daylight - and in full view of other drivers along the main road. 

They said: "Please be aware that cars parked by dog walkers along the Bradenham Road have had their catalytic converters stolen during daylight hours in the full view of all passing cars."

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas into less-toxic pollutants - but gangs have been stripping them from vehicles so they can cash in on lucrative prices for rhodium, palladium and platinum in the devices.

The metals can be recycled for use in jewellery, dentistry and electronics.

Thames Valley Police said the thefts can take place in minutes - with the cars jacked up, the catalytic converters sawn off and then the thieves fleeing the scene.

There have been a string of catalytic converter thefts in the area in the past couple of years, with mainly hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius being targeted.

According to a report by The Guardian, thieves can make between £300 and £500 from every stolen converter.

Police have urged drivers to consider installing security lighting and CCTV at home or to park vehicles in garages or other secure locations where possible in a bid to deter thieves.

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.

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