BUSINESSMAN Des Brennan is warning drivers to keep their vehicles in a secure place at night after a catalytic converter worth £2,000 was stolen from one of his vans.

Mr Brennan, the managing director of packaging company Protective Solutions in Stonedale Road, Stonehouse, believes it was stolen to order.

One of Mr Brennan's drivers discovered the part, which converts exhaust gases into cleaner emissions, was missing after noticing a loud noise coming from the exhaust of the Iveco van.

"Drivers need to keep an eye on their vans to stop these parts from going missing," said Mr Brennan, who only has one other van in the company.

"I think it was stolen to order because it will only work when fitted to a van which is the same engine size and age as mine."

Mr Brennan was insured and has now had the converter replaced.

The news comes after police revealed that 40 catalytic converters were stolen in the county in August alone.

Officers have attributed the thefts to high metal prices and suspect many are being sold to scrap metal dealers.

Detective Inspector Steve Porter of Gloucestershire police: "If you see someone under a car and think it is suspicious, report it."

The bolts which attach the converters to the vehicle can be welded to help prevent thefts.

Protective sleeves are also available and parking close to a wall can prevent access to the underside of a vehicle.