MOTORISTS are being warned to be vigilant following a spate of thefts of catalytic converters across the Cleveland Police force area.

In less than a month the force received ten separate reports of thefts of the part.

Six reports were received from Middlesbrough, three from Stockton and one from Redcar.

Police are offering advice to vehicle owners on keeping their vehicles safe in a bid to prevent thefts including park your vehicle in a garage; if the car is in an exposed area, secure the converter to the vehicle as much as possible; consider installing private CCTV where your vehicle is in sight; install good quality lighting to potentially deter opportunist thieves and consider marking the part with a unique mark that can be easily identifiable.

Anyone with information about thefts of catalytic converters is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org