POLICE are urging tradesmen to be vigilant in Basildon because thieves are stealing catalytic converters.

Crooks swiped the devices from two vehicles last week, causing thousands of pounds of damage and taking the vehicles out of action for days.

The converters contain metals that thieves strip out and try to flog to scrap metal yards.

The first theft, from a white Mercedes Sprinter van was in Saffron Court, Laindon. The second was from a white Mercedes van in Hodgeson Way, Wickford.

Sgt Angie Torrance, from Basildon police station, said: “We urge people to be vigilant.”