POLICE in north Worcestershire are joining forces with garages in the region to help fight a rising tide of vehicle thefts. Rural and business crime officers are tackling the spate of thefts by giving out free catalytic converter kits. The kits provide each converter with a unique reference number, which will enable them to identify stolen parts. Kwik Fit and Halfords in Redditch and Kidderminster are already on board with the scheme. Rural and business crime team Pc Dale Tomkins said: We actively investigate any reports of catalytic converter thefts and here are also steps motorists can take to try and reduce the chance of their vehicle being targeted by thieves.