THIEVES have stolen a catalytic converter from a man's vehicle in the Cheapside Car Park behind Stroud train Station.

Nick Stubbs had his catalytic converter stolen from his Toyota Auris Hybrid on October 12.

There has reportedly been a huge rise in catalytic converters being stolen in the UK, and Gloucestershire police issued a warning earlier this year after a number of them were stolen in the county.

Thieves are able to steal the converters by sliding under cars and using high-powered cutting tools.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire police said: "Police have received a report of a catalytic converter being stolen from a car in Stroud last week.

"It was reported that a catalytic converter was stolen from a car which was parked in the Cheapside Car Park behind Stroud Station on Saturday October 12.

"The theft is believed to have taken place between 1.30pm and 8.30pm.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed this taking place or any form of suspicious activity is asked to call 101 quoting incident 169 of October 12."