CATALYTIC converter thefts from cars are on the rise in Wokingham, Thames Valley Police have said recently.

The police force released the alert to residents in Wokingham on November 7, detailing what cars are being targeted, and how to make your vehicle less of a target to thieves.

According to the area alert, Japanese cars made from 2002 - present are being targeted for their catalytic converters, of which can be removed and stolen from a vehicle within minutes.

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Advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of this kind of attack includes regularly checking your car, consider adding an alarm to your catalytic converter, as oftentimes car alarms aren't triggered by thefts such as these, or fitting a 'cage clamp' to make theft more difficult.

Other advice includes parking with the exhaust close to fences, walls and kerbs, to make access more difficult, and leaving your car in secure, well-lit areas.

Karen Collins, police administrator for Wokingham, said: "Be aware that offenders often wear high visibility vests to make you think they are legitimate.

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"If you see someone acting suspiciously near or under a vehicle, report it to the Police straight away. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

"Please contact us if you have any information relating to crime in your neighbourhood. Report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk, call us on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111. Thank you."