Vehicle owners are being warned that thefts are on the rise across the Cotswolds.
Gloucestershire PC Nick Westmacott says there has been a surge in the number of catalytic converter thefts over recent weeks.
Thefts have taken place in Stow, Moreton, Chipping Campden and Moreton.
PC Westmacottt explained that the offenders cut off a part of the exhaust containing the catalytic converter which has valuable metals inside worth a lot of money on the second-hand market.
Vehicles such as 4x4s or those higher off the ground tend to be targeted as they are easier for offenders to access.
The thefts only take a matter of minutes to complete, when using a power saw.
"Anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles should be reported to police," said PC Westmacott.
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