A NUMBER of catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles in the county.

A Mercedes Sprinter van parked on the Rotherwas Industrial Estate and two Ford pick-up trucks - parked in Scudamore Street and Cotterell Street respectively, were all targeted between Saturday (January 14) and Sunday (January 15).

It brings the number of catalytic converters stolen this year in the county to 17, with thefts mainly occurring in Hereford, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

"It costs around £500 to replace and repair the damage caused after a catalytic converter has been stolen, so we're talking about thousands of pounds worth of damage since the start of the year,” said Charles Naylor, Crime Risk Advisor for Herefordshire.

"All but one of the reports we have received are of thefts from large vehicles such as 4x4s and vans, as it's easier for the thieves to gain access to the catalytic converters on these types of vehicles.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0300 333 3000.