A STRING of thefts where catalytic converters are being stolen is on the rise in Bracknell.

There has been five reports of thefts to Thames Valley Police on Monday (January 13).

Honda Jazz cars were targeted in particular in roads such as Great Hollands, Underwood and Ringmead.

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Ionut Stanciu a photographer who lives in Great Hollands explained how her Honda Jazz was targeted yesterday (January 13).

She said: "For the first time in my life it was very stressful.

"We called some garages and we have heard so many people have called them for the same problem so now they will fix it on Thursday. "It will cost £156 but other places quoted £220 so it's not cheap."

Catalytic Converters are used in a cars exhaust system and clean up harmful gases before they exit the exhaust pipe.

Thieves steal them because they contain certain precious metals such as palladium and rhodium.

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However, they are located underneath the car and police say it would require thieves to jack up the car and then use a disc cutter to remove it.

According to the police report, the thefts were carried out in broad daylight in the early hours of Monday.

The BBC recently reported that there is a rise in catalytic converter thefts.

In London, for the first six months of 2019, the number of thefts of catalytic converters jumped to 2,894, compared to 1,674 thefts for all of 2018.

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The prices of certain precious metals have also skyrocketed in the last 18 months - palladium is now worth £1,300/oz, while rhodium goes for £4,000/oz, according to FJ Church and Sons, a specialist metals merchant that is also the UK's largest specialist in recycling catalytic converters.

Police said they are investigating the thefts.

A spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police officers were called at about 1.10pm yesterday (13/01) following reports of a theft from a vehicle.

"An investigation is taking place. No arrests have yet been made.

"Anyone who saw anything untoward or has any information about these thefts is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101.

"Should you not want to speak to a police officer or want to remain anonymous to contact the independent charity “Crimestoppers” on 0800 555 111."