THIEVES are targeting car parks to steal catalytic converters from vehicles

The thefts are being carried out in broad daylight as shoppers and workers leave their vehicles in public car parks.

It is understood that Honda cars which are being particularly targeted by the thieves.

The theft leaves motorists hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

It is understood that Honda cars which are being particularly targeted by the thieves.

In the latest incident, a Honda Civic parked at Radcliffe tram station was targeted with the owner only finding out when they turned the engine on.

She said: “When I reported it to police, they said it was the second report of a catalytic converter being stolen that evening. The garage I took my car to said it was the third one they had to repair this month with one car apparently targeted in a Bury town centre car park

“The thieves are actually jacking up the car to steal the catalytic converter.

“My whole exhaust is wrecked.

“When I reported it to Metrolink to check the car park’s CCTV they basically said there was nothing they could do unless approached by the police.

“There seems to be a spate of these. You would not to expect this to happen in a car park. Even the breakdown recovery man was shocked that this had happened in a car park.”

Catalytic converters are stolen for their precious metals which are sold on to unscrupulous scrap dealers.

Inspector Robert Findlow said: "The main problem for victims, apart from the obvious inconvenience, is that converters are expensive to replace. I would therefore urge owners to park their vehicles in a locked garage whenever possible, or at least in a well-lit and busy location that is covered by monitored CCTV ideally.

"It is also advisable to install a Thatcham-approved alarm that will activate if your vehicle is lifted or tilted, or a catalytic converter protection device or marking system. Details of such products can be found at www.securedbydesign.com, www.retainagroup.com or www.soldsecure.com

"Here in Bury we are not experiencing any spike of these thefts and Radcliffe Metrolink Car park is not being highlighted in our daily scanning as a hot spot of theft from motor vehicles. In addition, officers will continue to monitor metal merchants and scrapyards across Greater Manchester to help prevent criminals selling on stolen converters."

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesman said: “Crime and antisocial behaviour is unacceptable on the transport network and I’m sorry to hear that, on this occasion, the victim was unhappy with our response when they contacted us.

“I’d like to reassure them that, whenever an incident is reported to police, we will work with them as part of their investigation to identify and convict those responsible.

“I would also urge anyone to report any suspicious behaviour to police online, by calling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

For crime prevention advice on keeping vehicles safe visit https://www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-from-a-vehicle/vehicle-safe-and-sound/