NEW advice has been issued to motorists across Keighley in a bid to combat catalytic converter thefts.

Last week we reported how more than 1,000 of the emissions devices, which are attractive to criminals for the metal they contain, have been stolen from car exhaust systems in the region over the past three years – with a spate of incidents occurring in Keighley.

Thefts reached a peak in 2021, according to latest data, when 660 incidents were recorded in West Yorkshire – compared to 270 in 2020.

We reported on a number of incidents across the town when thefts were at their highest.

Six catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles parked on a car sales forecourt in Lawkholme Lane, and cars parked in other areas – including West Lane and Holme Mill Lane – were also targeted.

West Yorkshire Police say they are "working hard" with other organisations to tackle the crime.

Now online used car marketplace, Heycar, has issued guidance to help deter thieves.

Dan Powell, of Heycar, says: "Catalytic converter thefts can be quite common and that's especially the case with hybrid cars because they produce less pollution and the valuable metals in the catalytic converter are in a better condition than those of a petrol or diesel vehicle, which means it has a higher scrap value.

"If a thief knows what they’re doing, it can be very quick to steal a catalytic converter.

"However, there are a number of things people can do to deter criminals."

Tips include:

* Park to prevent access underneath the vehicle. To steal the parts, thieves need to slide under the vehicle. Parking close to walls or fences can make it difficult to remove the catalytic converter, but remember not to block pedestrian access.

* Get a garage to etch a unique serial number onto your catalytic converter so it can be easily identified if it is stolen. You'll also be provided with a sticker to be displayed in your window that indicates your catalytic converter is marked.

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

* Park in well-lit areas. Thieves are often opportunistic. If you park in an area that is well lit, which people regularly walk past, your vehicle is less likely to be targeted.

For more advice, visit heycar.co.uk/guides/best-ways-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft.