A SPATE of catalytic converter thefts in the district has led police to issue urgent advice to drivers on protecting their cars.

Three vehicles have had their catalytic converters stolen in the last week including two on the same evening.

At 1am yesterday (May 24) a witness reported hearing a grounding noise and saw sparks between two vehicles at Chester Green, Loughton. Police attended minutes later to find a white Ford transit van had had its catalytic converter stolen.

Around the same time, a silver Fiat Ducato van parked in Crooked Way, Nazeing, also had its converter stolen.

In the third incident a Ford Ranger, in Shellow Road, Willingale, near Ongar, had its converter stolen between 7.30pm on Friday, May 21 and 8am on Monday, May 24.

Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said catalytic converters were a valuable target for thieves as they contained platinum.

He said: “A thief can't get to your catalytic converter if he can't get to your car. Keep your car stored in a garage if you have one available. If not, park in well-lit areas at night and try to park close to buildings once the sun goes down.”

Mr Ellis also advised drivers could ask an auto shop to weld the converter to the chassis, fit an alarm or scratch a serial number on to the converter.

Anyone with information on the latest thefts can call police on 0300 333 4444.