Motorists are being warned to take extra safety measures after a spate of catalytic converters thefts.

Since the beginning of December, five vehicles were targeted at night in the Pembury, Hawkenbury and Sherwood estate areas of Tunbridge Wells.

The car parts are swiped because they contain precious metals and can net thieves cash for scrap.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Neil Ready, said: "While our officers regularly patrol these areas and are alert for suspicious vehicles or criminals on foot, we are reminding residents to ensure cars are kept as safe as possible while we investigate.

"We would advise owners to contact the car's manufacturer, as some sell clamps and security cages that make catalytic converters more difficult to steal.

"You can also security-mark and register the metal shell of the converter so we can return it to you if it is stolen and recovered.

"As part of our enquiries we also work closely with scrap metal dealers to make it easier to trace sellers of stolen metal and also identify any dealers who operate illegally."

Earlier this month we reported how catalytic converter thefts had spiked across Kent.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/46/218433/20 /20.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells