RURAL residents with 4x4s have been warned to be on their guard after thieves cut emission control devices from vehicles.

North Yorkshire Police said catalytic converters were cut from a Toyota Highlander and a Ford Ranger in the Danby area of the North York Moors overnight on Tuesday (April 28).

Detectives said residents in isolated areas should consider fitting clamps or security cages around the devices and put unique marks on to the shell of their catalytic converters to deter criminals and make stolen parts easier to trace.

Sergeant Zac Ahmed, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Catalytic converter thieves cut the device from the exhaust pipe of a parked vehicle and sell it on.

"I am urging residents to take extra precautions to ensure their vehicles are secure.”

Thefts of the devices, which have been fitted in the exhaust of the majority of petrol cars manufactured since 1992, are believed to be linked to the price of precious metals they contain, one of which, palladium, has increased significantly in recent years.

Police said taller vehicles, such 4x4s, are particularly vulnerable as the converters are more accessible and are targeted as they tend to have larger engines, containing more precious metals.

They are urging residents to report suspicious behaviour as soon as possible and regularly review security measures using the force's rural crime prevention advice at northyorkshire.police.uk/ruralcrime