HAMPSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses after three catalytic converter thefts were reported in Basingstoke.

Basingstoke cops wrote on their Facebook page this morning (May 5): “The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft.”

One incident took place sometime between 5pm on Monday, May 3 and 8am, Tuesday May 4, when unknown offender(s) stole a catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius which was parked on Malta Close, Popley.

A second incident took place on Bermuda Close, Popley, when a catalytic converter was stolen from a Honda Jazz sometime between 1.25am and 2.25 am on Monday, May 3.

A third catalytic converter was stolen from a Honda Jazz which was parked on Beecham Berry, Brighton Hill, sometime between the 10pm on Monday, May 3, and 6:30am on Tuesday, May 4.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. They are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage.

Please either go to the Hampshire Constabulary website and click on "tell us about", ring 101 if urgent or e-mail Basingstoke.Town.Police@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the opportunity for your catalytic converter to be stolen:

• Don’t park your car/van half on the pavement as it makes it easier for the thieves to get underneath it.

• If you have a diesel van or other high clearance vehicles having your catalytic converter marked, or secured can deter thieves who steal them for the precious metal components.

• Park in a garage or other secure area if possible.

• Consider property marking your catalytic converter. It is cheap and may reduce your insurance.

• A sign in your window saying your catalytic converter has been marked may well deter thieves.

• You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.

You can also buy clamps to secure your catalytic converter to your vehicle and get marking kits which are an effective deterrent against catalytic converter theft.

Models including pre 2008 Honda Jazz models, Toyota Prius (2004 to 2016 inclusive) and Toyota Arius (2012 to 2018 inclusive), are more likely to be targeted.