THE theft of catalytic converters – a car exhaust part – is rife as as criminals cash in on the high value metal they are made from.

Reports in Bolton, like across the country, have risen significantly with gangs spotted turning up outside homes before ripping away catalytic converters and leaving the scene within minutes.

While criminals make money from selling the parts, which are made from valuable metal, victims are left with bills up to £1,300 to pay replace their catalytic converter.

In one brazen incident last September, a group of men arrived in a car on Harrow Road in Heaton, leaving their vehicle parked up in the middle of the road.

They quickly targeted a car and used a jack to tilt it up before pulling its catalytic converter away.

The theft was caught on camera with one man shown briefly pacing along the road, seemingly checking that no-one was witnessing the crime.

After the exhaust part was in their possession, the crooks left in their car. This all happened in the space of 70 seconds.

Last month police fired a warning that there had been 19 thefts in Bolton since February with a gang of four men mainly stealing from Toyota cars, although Kia and Honda vehicles were affected too.

On Thursday, March 11 at around 4.50am, the owner of a Toyota Auris Estate found thieves wearing head torches stealing a catalytic converter from her car on Wasdale Avenue in Breightmet.

Independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a campaign with neighbourhood watch groups to share tips on how to make it harder for thieves to steal the exhaust parts.

A Crimestoppers spokesman said: "Organised criminals can remove catalytic converters from under a vehicle in a matter of minutes.

"Catalytic converter theft is a crime and leaves drivers with an average replacement bill of £1,300.

"In some cases, the vehicle may even be written off by the damage caused by thieves sawing converters from the exhaust.

"This crime can also cause immense stress and anxiety to victims, with some drivers being repeatedly targeted.

"Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your vehicle being targeted:

  • Avoid parking half on the pavement, half on the road, as this may provide thieves with easier access to the underside of your vehicle.
  • Park your vehicle in a locked garage whenever possible.
  • Try to park in busy, well-lit areas, or areas covered by CCTV.
  • Install an under-car alarm system.
  • Ask your garage to tell you your catalytic converter's serial number, and make a note of it.
  • Consider purchasing forensic liquid and using it to mark your catalytic converter.
  • Place a protective covering over your catalytic converter.
  • If you have a fleet of vehicles, try to restrict access to high ground clearance vehicles by blocking them with lower vehicles."

To report a catalytic converter theft contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more advice on the campaign click here.