Catalyic Converter thefts are becoming all too common in Teddington.

Another thief was today caught by Teddington police.

The police said:

"One Male arrested in Bushy Park car park for theft from motor vehicle.

"PC Parker shows off the loot (pictured above.

"These thefts are becoming prevalent in the area so look out."

What is a Catalytic Converter?

In a car's exhaust system, catalytic converters clean up harmful gases before they exit the exhaust pipe.

A catalytic converter is located in a box on the exhaust pipe under a car.

In order to steal it, thieves slide under the car and use high-powered cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it.

The police has advised that vehicle owners consider taking the following safety measures:

1. Mark catalytic converters with a serial number to make it distinctive

1. Place a protective covering over the catalytic converter

1. Install CCTV and alarms

1. Park vehicles so as to prevent access underneath

Hopefully these measures combined with the work of the police can reduced the thefts.