POLICE have issued a warning following a spate of catalytic convertor thefts in Stanford-le-Hope.
There have been four committed in the area in the last month and officers are advising motorists to be vigilant.
These included the theft of a catalytic convertor from a white LDV Maxus panel van in Church Road, Corringham, between 6.30pm on Sunday May 5 and 10.50pm on Monday May 6.
Graham Anthony, Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor with Essex Police, said: “Thieves like to steal from vehicles parked in places where they run the least risk of being seen and caught. Try to ensure that you always park in areas of good lighting and natural surveillance opportunities. If you have a fleet of parked vehicles, block those with high clearance using vehicles with low clearance. This will help to obstruct access underneath the vehicle.
“There are special products designed to frustrate the theft of catalytic converters. These include special clamps and security marking systems. Think about starting a Neighbourhood Watch or Business Watch scheme, a good way to get everyone working together to discourage crime and make the place in which you live and work better and safer for everyone.”
Anyone with information should call Grays police station on 101.