Catalytic converters have been stolen from two cars in Chippenham this weekend.

Police are appealing for witnesses following two reports from the public.

Officers received reports at around 2pm on Sunday (May 16) of two cars having had their catalytic converters removed at addresses on Waterford Place.

Both cars were Hondas and the incidents are believed to have happened at approximately 10.30pm on Thursday 13 May.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour or have doorbell footage from this time that could assist officers with their enquiries is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 54210046425 or 54210046420.

What can you do to protect your vehicle?

• Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area

• Park close to fences, walls or a kerb to make the theft more difficult

• Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter

• If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing your bonnet towards the wall if possible.

• If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath

• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.

• Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter

• You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove

• If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.