A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of catalytic converter thefts comes to Stroud next week.

Organised by Gloucestershire police the campaign, codenamed Operation Persian, follows a spate of catalytic converter thefts across the county.

Converters are stolen both from vehicles on the street and in garages typically by cutting them from the exhaust using a disc cutter.

The police briefing between 10am and 1pm on Friday, May 16 at Tesco in Stratford Road, Stroud, will provide advice on guarding against theft and also feature catalytic converter marking kits to deter thieves and aid recovery.

PC Matt Rollason, who is overseeing Operation Persian, said: “Catalytic converters are an extremely valuable car part, and having them stolen causes enormous inconvenience, including loss of our vital means of transport, high cost of repairs and possibly higher insurance, not to mention increased police time investigating the thefts.

“The campaign is a chance to learn how to guard against this theft and help us track down cases.

“I urge people to come and meet us, get your converters marked and help us fight crime.”