Police are warning people about a rise in catalytic converter thefts after several were stolen from vehicles parked on car parks.

Officers have said that the offenders have been using a 'trolley jack' in order to raise the car, before using some kind of tool to cut the exhaust pipe at either end of the catalytic converter in order to remove it.

The offences are believed to take just minutes and police are advising people to remain vigilant and if possible, buy a catalytic clamp and lock.

A spokesperson for Chorley police said: "There have been recent incidents whereby offenders have targeted cars mainly on car parks.

"The offenders are selecting vehicles, proceeding to use a trolley jack to raise the car and by using an unknown implement/tool cut the exhaust pipe at either end of the catalytic converter.

"The offenders manoeuvre the pipe free and leave the scene.

"This takes just minutes and they are very rehearsed in the procedure."

It is believed the vehicles that have been targeted so far are small hatchbacks such as a Honda Jazz and Toyota Auris.

The spokesperson added: "The catalytic is an essential part of the vehicle and costs a substantial sum to replace.

"Please be vigilant, if appropriate park your car in the garage or close to the house.

"When out and about park your car in a well-lit area, if possible, within a CCTV zone.

"There are catalytic clamps and locks available, there is a service that etches a unique number on the converter which is advertised on the window to notify any potential suspect that the part is traceable."

Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise since lockdown, and elsewhere in the region, a group of men allegedly stole a catalytic converter from a car in 70 seconds, leaving a dad-of-three having to fork out hundreds of pounds for a replacement part.

The suspects struck on Harrow Road in Heaton at around 6.30am on Friday September 11, when a car pulled up in the middle of the road.

Back in February 2019, scores of cars were being targeted by criminal gangs who ripped out catalytic converters to sell on the black market.

In just one week in February 2019, police received several reports of cars, mainly Toyota Priuses, being targeted in areas of Blackburn, including Brookhouse, Audley, Bank Top and Corporation Park.

In November, new figures revealed a 'huge increase' in the number of catalytic converter thefts across the UK during lockdown.

The investigation, by insurance giant Admiral, revealed that thieves stealing the precious metals found in catalytic converters in some cars were selling them on for a profit.

Head of claims at Admiral, Lorna Connelly, said: “At the beginning of 2020 we saw an increase in the number of catalytic converter thefts in the UK, with 400 claims in January alone."