Warning as thieves target vans

MERCEDES truck and van catalytic converters are being targeted by thieves: five have been reported in Royton and Shaw over the last six weeks.

One converter was stolen from a Mercedes van in High Crompton at the end of October. On the next day one was stolen in Shaw. The thieves dismantled the exhaust system to retrieve the converter, which contains platinum - though in some cases it is thought the parts were stolen to repair other vehicles. Converters on these vehicles can cost up to £2,000.

Inspector Jim Trosi said: “We want people to be aware and vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

Mercedes offers a special security device which prevents the exhaust system on a Sprinter van’s easy removal

A Mercedes spokesman said: “We are seeing this more and more on 4x4 vehicles because of the ease of access under the vehicle.”