MOTORISTS are being offered more help in keeping their vehicles safe from thieves.

Police in Northallerton are offering free catalytic converter security marking as part of the nationwide metal theft crackdown Operation Tornado.

Local officers have teamed up with Kwik-fit to provide the free marking on Saturday, December 8. The marking kits have been supplied free of charge but supplies are limited and will be on a first-come first-served basis.

PC Phil Hall said: “Police want to encourage previous victims of catalytic converter theft to take up the offer as well as owners of vulnerable vehicles which include Mercedes Sprinter vans and vehicles with high ground clearance.

“The marking is available between 10am and 12pm on Saturday morning at the Kwik-fit depot on Brompton Road, Northallerton.”

The marking kits use a solution to mark catalytic converters with a unique code which is registered on a data-base and a sticker is placed in the vehicle’s window to show it has been marked.

*From today, December 3, new legislation came into force which makes it illegal for scrap dealers to buy metal using cash. It can only be bought using a crossed cheque or electronic cash transfer through a bank. Any other method of payment is illegal.

North Yorkshire Police will be carrying out checks at scrap dealers to ensure the new legislation is being adhered to.