Police have issued advice to residents after a fresh spate of catalytic converter thefts in Wellington.

A number of residents have reported falling victim to or witnessing the theft of catalytic converters from cars in recent days and weeks.

Avon and Somerset Police have responded by issuing advice which could help in avoiding falling afoul of the crime.

Advice issued by Avon and Somerset said: "We’d please ask anyone who sees a crime taking place to dial 999 straight away. Anything out of the ordinary, such as a car up on jacks being tended to by individuals wearing face masks, should be reported.

"Motorists are advised to take the following steps themselves to protect their vehicle from being targeted. Advice from Crimestoppers includes:

"Avoid parking half on the pavement, half on the road, as this may provide thieves with easier access to the underside of your vehicle.

"Park your vehicle in a locked garage whenever possible. Try to park in busy, well-lit areas, or areas covered by CCTV.

"Ask your garage to tell you your catalytic converter’s serial number, and make a note of it. Consider purchasing forensic liquid and using it to mark your catalytic converter. Place a protective covering over your catalytic converter."

It follows claims of the thefts on Bovet Street, Mantle Street and Tonedale. In a Facebook group for Wellington residents, Donna Hitchcott said: "We had two men outside our house until my husband spotted them and followed them up the road!"

Simon Gorman commented: "This town is becoming a crime hotspot, but where are the police? Arson, burglaries and car crime but no arrests."

Catalytic converter thieves have struck out at Wellington before. In 2021 thieves stole four catalytic converters from Wellington vehicles in a single night, with with South Street, Red Lion Court and Wellesley Park all hit.