Metal thieves target 100 vehicles in Shropshire spree

More than 100 catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles across the county over the past 12 months, police have revealed today.

There have been thefts in St Georges, Donnington, Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Market Drayton in the past month alone.

Over the past year there have been 350 thefts reported across the force area.

Police across the UK have reported a rise in the thefts of the devices, which control emissions from exhaust pipes, as the value of platinum, palladium and rhodium from which the converters are made increases.

The figures for West Mercia come after officials at the charity Crimestoppers launched an appeal for people to come forward with more information.

Police advised people to park their vehicles in garages or well-lit areas.

Denise Wakefield, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: “Catalytic converters can be forensically marked and if people are able to do this, we would urge them to do so.

“We would also encourage people who see unfamiliar individuals ‘working’ on vehicles in their neighbourhood to give us a call.”

Marty Burrell, who owns Hilbrae Pets Hotel, had the catalytic converter stolen from her van when it was in Oakengates in March.

She said: “It cost us £400 to replace, which is money we can’t really afford.”

The Crimestoppers number is 0800 555 111.