Police are urging car owners to be vigilant after catalytic converters were stolen from two vehicles in Sidmouth last night (Sunday).

Sergeant Andy Squires said thieves used a pipe cutter to remove the components, containing valuable platinum, from two Ford Galaxy cars – one in Winslade Road, the other in Alexandria Road.

As the catalytic converter precedes the silencer, he said drivers will be well aware when they start their car if theirs have been removed.

Witnesses to the incident in Alexandria Road are asked to call 101 and quote crime reference CR/018495/17 or CR/018499/17 for Winslade Road.