POLICE in East Renfrewshire have issued a warning over a surge in thefts involving catalytic converters.

The devices, which clean gases before they leave a vehicle’s exhaust pipe, are providing rich pickings for crooks, thanks to the rising value of precious metals they contain, such as rhodium and palladium.

A police spokesperson said: “There has been an increase in reports of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles across East Renfrewshire over recent weeks.

“Park your car in a locked garage where possible or in a well-lit and well-populated area and avoid parking it half on the pavement and half on the road.

“If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.”

For more information on protecting your vehicle, visit here.