Three catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles in Wigston overnight Wednesday April 17, 2013.

The catalytic converters were taken from vehicles on Harrington Road, Seaton Road and New Forest Close in Wigston and were all from Mercedes vans.

Sgt 717 Dave Stokes said:

“I would encourage drivers of Mercedes vans and 4 x 4’s due to their high clearance area, to park their vehicles in a garage where possible or to make sure that their vehicle is parked in a well lit area. When you leave your vehicle make sure that you lock and alarm it, before walking away. Taking these simple steps could help you to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

“There are companies that sell catalytic converter alarms which might be worth considering and there are metal cages on the market which can be fitted around the catalytic converter that will act as a strong deterrent.”

Catalytic converters are part of a car’s exhaust system and contain high value metals. Due to the increase in the cost of scrap metal this has led to a national increase in the number of catalytic converters being stolen.

The police in Wigston are offering advice by sending messages out on social media and the police community messaging system – Neighbourhood Link, www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk.

They are also acting on information from the public about suspicious vehicles in the area.

If you own any sort of vehicle with a high clearance that enables easy access underneath, then it would be worth considering some form of crime prevention measure.

We also want people to call us if they see any suspicious vehicles or activity in their area.

Anyone with information is urged to call Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Calls to 101 cost 15p for the entire call from both mobile phones and landlines * Please note some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.