Gwent Police are warning the owners of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to be on their guard after a sharp rise in the number catalytic converters stolen from them in recent weeks.
Just this month, 11 vehicles parked on streets across Caerphilly County Borough have been targeted with a further three in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.
In the Newport area, ten vehicles in total have been targeted.
Blackwood and Risca Inspector Carl Williams said: “We have seen a rapid increase in theft of exhaust systems from Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, In the West of Gwent (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen) with 14 reported thefts from 12th October 2015. Catalytic converters are composed of several metals, some include small amounts of precious metals such as platinum and palladium making them a target for criminals.
“We are currently investigating each reported crime and asking owners of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to secure their vehicles and remain alert. Steps that can be taken to prevent this type of crime include parking vehicles in well-lit, open areas and installing CCTV camera systems.”
Newport West Inspector, Neil Muirhead added: “The offences are generally taking place overnight and within the hours of darkness. Officers are currently looking for your support and help by reporting any suspicious activity immediately or if you have any information on the above crimes, please contact 101, quoting the log number.”
Blaenau Gwent
Falcon Terrace in Ebbw Vale during the evening/overnight on 15th October (Log 78 16/10/15)
Gwaun Helyg Road in Ebbw Vale during the evening/overnight on 20th October (Log 282 20/10/15 )
Caerphilly
Avon close in Pontllanfraith, Blackwood during the evening/overnight on 22nd October (Log 139 22/10/15)
Stanley Street in Cwmwelinfach, Risca during the evening/overnight on 22nd October (Log 44 12/10/15)
Woodside Walk in Wattsville, Risca during the evening/overnight on 12th October (Log 31 12/10/15 )
North Road in Pontwaun, Crosskeys, Risca during the evening/overnight on 21st October (Log 41 22/10/15)
Ashfield Road in Newbridge, Risca during the evening/overnight on 21st October (Log: 92 21/10/15)
Cheviot Close in Risca during the evening/overnight on 15th October (Log 51 12/10/15)
McDonnell Road, Bargoed during the evening/overnight on 22nd October (Log 158 22/10/15 )
Shingrig Road in Nelson, Ystrad Mynach during the evening/overnight on date 19th October (Log 76 20/10/15)
Llanfabon Drive, Trethomas, Caerphilly during the evening/overnight on 14th October (Log 63 15/10/15
Newport Road, Bedwas, Caerphilly during the evening/overnight on 14th October (Log 40 12/10/15)
Tridwr Road, Abertridwr, Caerphilly during the evening/overnight on 19th October (Log 43 20/10/15)
Torfaen
Stour Court, Thornhill, Cwmbran during the evening/overnight on 14th October (Log 43 16/10/15)
Newport
Forge Lane in Newport during the evening/overnight on 30th September (Log 53 01/10/15)
Risca Road in Newport during the evening/overnight on 30th September (Log 206 01/10/15)
Broadstreet Common in Marshfield, Newport during early hours of 3rd October (Log 126 03/10/15)
Harold Walk, Rogerstone, Newport during the evening/overnight on 9th October (Log 134 10/10/15)
St Basils Crescent in Bassaleg, Newport during early hours of 10th October (Log 88 10/10/15)
Monnow Walk in Bettws, Newport during the evening/overnight on 12th October (Log 242 13/10/15)
Pentonville in Allt Yr Yn, Newport during the evening/overnight on 12th October (Log 41 13/10/15)
Livale Road in Bettws, Newport during the evening/overnight on 15th October (Log 141 16/10/15)
Monnow Walk in Bettws, Newport during the early morning/morning on 16th October (Log 264 16/10/15)
Cot Farm Circle in Ringland, Newport during the evening/overnight on 20th October (Log 154 21/10/15)