Drivers of light commercial diesel vans in south west Hertfordshire will be able to get their catalytic converters marked for free next week as part of a police drive to tackle rising thefts of the valuable exhaust component.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is working with a Watford garage to do the markings, which will make it easier for officers to trace the owners of recovered stolen converters.

Catalytic converters have been on the rise in recent years due to the high price of metal.

DI Paul Doran, from the Constabulary’s crime reduction unit, said: "The thieves have been targeting catalytic converters, particularly from diesel vans, over the last couple of years, because these units contain precious metals and are relatively easy to remove.

"Marking the converters makes them much less appealing to thieves, as they can easily be traced back to where they were stolen from. We are now working with reputable scrap metal dealers across the county who routinely record who they buy metal from, so we have a good chance of catching the person that stole the unit."

Drivers of light commercial diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of up to 7.5 tonnes will be able to have their converters marked Kartec Car Services, in 7, Greenhill Crescent, Watford from next Monday.

Anyone interested should call the garage in advance to arrange an appointment on 01923 210209.

For further information on car security or general crime prevention advice visit: www.herts.police.uk.