SCRAP metal thieves have stolen car parts worth more than £35,0000 from vehicles across Southampton.

Their main target appears to be catalytic converters.

Thirty four have been sawn or cut off exhaust pipes on cars and vans in two months.

It’s believed the vandals are using disc cutters to wrench the parts from vehicles.

The thieves are targeting in particular works vans and school minibuses, but also private cars parked outside homes.

It’s thought that the catalytic converters, which are fitted in t h e exhausts of most modern c a r s , contain “precious m e t a l s ”

including platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Taller vehicles, including 4x4 cars, are thought to be more vulnerable as the converters are easier to get to and because they have larger engines they contain more of the precious metals.

Among the victims was the Rose Road Association, where a special needs minibus used to transport disabled children was hit twice in two weeks.

Officials of the charity have been left reeling after initially paying out for a replacement converter only to find that too had been stolen from the vehicle a few days later. It happened while it was parked behind locked gates at their Aldermoor base.

A catalytic converter had also been torn from a minibus used by disabled children at Bitterne Park Secondary School, which was left with a £1,500 repair bill.

Detectives are investigating the rise in thefts in the city, which is a problem nationwide because of the high price of scrap metal.

They have launched a dedicated operation.

Scrap dealers have been spoken to and advised of the problem but most don’t accept them except from legitimate sources.

Detective Inspector Dave Jackson, pictured left, said: “In some cases they have broken into compounds to get to work vehicles at night but equally some have happened in the day to cars just parked up.

“It can cost more than £1,000 to get a converter replaced and then there is the time off the road for businesses which can have a devastating effect. A minibus used by disabled children has also been hit twice. It just shows how low they will go to get what they want.”

Those with information are asked to call the Priority Crime Team at Hulse Road on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Factfile

Catalytic converters are fitted in the exhaust of most petrol cars manufactured since 1992.

By chemical reaction they substantially reduce the harmful pollutants released through an exhaust.

The metal case of the converter contains a ceramic honeycombed structure that provides a massive surface area across which exhaust gases flow.

That structure is coated in so-called precious metals which helps to modify and increase the rate of chemical reaction that cleans the exhaust.

The metals cannot be physically removed on their own, only through a chemical process.

It is quite hard to trace catalytic converters back to a particular vehicle as there tend to be no distinguishing marks.

To protect your vehicle park it in a garage or well-lit area and be vigilant – look out for anyone working under a car who is suspicious.