Police are urging Cotswold drivers to be on alert following a spate of thefts.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has warned that there has been a recent rise in catalytic converter thefts in Winchcombe and the surrounding areas.

Over the last few days, police say they have received "a number of reports" of thefts in the Winchcombe area as well as van break-ins and tool thefts in other rural areas.

On Saturday, November 19, three reports were made of catalytic converters being stolen from vehicles parked in public places.

Another incident saw thieves target a van in Alderton on Tuesday morning (November 22) before stealing two toolboxes containing drills and accessories.

In a bid to reassure residents, officers from the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out additional patrols and are looking to make people aware of the crime prevention methods available.

It is understood that offenders tend to target vehicles which are easily accessible as this allows for the car part to be removed in a matter of minutes.

Often victims only realise after it has happened due to the noise made when starting the vehicle. 

Gloucestershire Constabulary has advised people to "remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour", including seeing cars jacked up on roadsides or in supermarket car parks.

Police have asked anyone who witnesses such behaviour to call 999, if the crime is in progress or the offenders are nearby.

Police have offered the following advice on how to protect your vehicle:

  • Parking vehicles close to walls, fences, kerbs and garages with the exhaust closest to these. This makes gaining access to the underneath of the vehicle more difficult
  • Where possible parking your car in a locked garage
  • Avoid parking your car partially on the pavement and if using a car park consider parking between other parked vehicles
  • Consider CCTV, security lights and alarms where possible
  • Consider purchasing catalytic converter covers or clamps which are widely available and offer protection

More information can be found on the Gloucestershire police website.