Police are offering advice to motorists following a recent rise in catalytic converter thefts with incidents being reported across the county.

Over recent weeks thefts have been reported within car parks in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and Tewkesbury.

Offenders are specifically targeting areas with car parks such as shopping centres, supermarkets, hospitals, railway stations and industrial estates.

Vehicles have been targeted at all times of the day, primarily in daylight hours, when catalytic converters can be removed in a matter of minutes.

The main vehicles targeted at the moment are Japanese manufactured cars such as Honda Jazz's and Toyota Prius' however other vehicles are being targeted.

Victims only notice the crime after it has happened when they start their vehicle.

The public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, especially seeing cars being jacked up on the roadside and in supermarket car parks.

You should call 999 if a crime is in progress or if offenders are nearby.

There are some protective measures drivers can consider to help reduce the risk to their vehicles. These include:

1. Park vehicles close to walls, fences, kerbs and garages with the exhaust closest to these, making gaining access to the underneath of the vehicle more difficult
2. Where possible park your car in a locked garage
3. Avoid parking your car partially on the pavement and if using a car park consider parking between other parked vehicles
4. Consider CCTV, security lights and alarms where possible.
5. Consider purchasing catalytic converter covers or clamps which are widely available and offer protection.

More advice on how to help keep your vehicle safe from crime can be found on the Constabulary's website here.