A renewed spate of catalytic converter (CAT) thefts, including Newton Abbot, has prompted police to warn motorists to be on their guard.
Thieves target CATs because they contain precious metals which can fetch rewarding sums from dodgy dealers.
Honda Accords have been in the firing line of the recent run of car-tampering in Newton Abbot, Totnes and Torquay.
The CAT thieves struck between Saturday and yesterday, targeting vehicles parked on the street outside owners’ homes.
Vehicles on industrial estates have also been scrutinised by the get-rich-quick offenders.
A police spokesman said today: ‘We are advising the public to park their vehicles either under street lights if possible, on driveways or in garages and to avoid leaving vehicles in areas such as industrial estates.’
Police have asked scrap metal merchants to be alert to the crimes if they are offered catalytic converters for sale.
‘Merchants are asked to ensure that they identify the sellers and report to us,’ said the spokesman.
Officers want to hear from anyone who may have seen catalytic converters or exhausts being transported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via [email protected] or by calling 101 quoting CR/010695/18.