Detective Inspector Greg Moore said: “We are aware of a recent increase in thefts of catalytic converters and are addressing this operationally with an on-going plan of action to address the issue.
“I’d urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity and support us in being the ‘eyes and ears’ of local communities, making note of any suspicious vehicles and people in the area.”
DI Moore added that police forces across the country are seeing similar increases.
“With the price of scrap metal rising, this crime continues to be a national trend with catalytic converters valuable commodities which criminals, some of whom are likely to be part of an organised network, are targeting and selling on,” he said.