Motorists are being warned against leaving their cars in secluded spots or parking half up on the kerb as thieves are stealing catalytic converters for scrap metal.
Criminals have been taking whole exhaust systems and damaging cars, which is expensive to repair and cars with more ground clearance, such as 4x4s, are particularly vulnerable.
Hertfordshire Police is raising awareness of the dangers when motorists leave cars where it is easy for roaming thieves to steal from them. The message is to put cars in garages where possible, park in busy areas, keep valuables out of sight and don’t park halfway on the kerb.