Police are warning motorists to park in secure places after a spate of catalytic converter thefts took place last night (April 21).

A police spokesperson issued the warning via the Essex Community Messaging system and said: "Essex Police have received three reports of theft overnight whereby catalytic converters have been stolen.

"All three thefts took place in the Benfleet area and the vehicles that the catalytic converters were stolen from were Ford Galaxys.

"Please try and park your vehicle when leaving it unattended in a secure place. If you are leaving your vehicle unattended overnight please use your driveway if you have one or leave your vehicle in a well-lit area.

"We have seen this type of crime trend previously on vehicles such as Mercedes Sprinters and other transit vans however it now appears that Ford Galaxy's are being targeted."

Dan Matthews, an electronics engineer from Benfleet, has fallen victim to the theives and only became aware after the message went out from police.

The 45-year-old said: "We have recently been victims of catalytic converter theft from our Ford Galaxy.

"My wife recently had an operation on her arm and was unable to drive so her car was left on our driveway without moving for a couple of days.

"On Wednesday of last week, I heard some odd banging noises out the front of the house around 2:45am so jumping out of bed I had a quick look out of the bedroom window. 

"We sometimes have noises in the early hours but it is usually the foxes rummaging through the refuge bags. 

"After a quick look i didn't see or hear anything after the initial banging and went back to bed.

"Today, Saturday, my wife was on Facebook and mentioned that there had been 3 thefts in the Benfleet area where the catalytic converters of cars had been removed and stolen. 

"We both were quite shocked at this as it is quite a job to get the cat converters off and also how people are finding other ways to make a quick buck. 

"We are all aware of copper cables and metal going missing for scrap money, but this crime takes things to another level.

"Mid-morning my wife had to drop the kids off at Benfleet station and after starting the car she noticed a loud blowing noise coming from underneath. 

"I went to investigate and sure enough the exhaust was blowing.  As i looked under the car i noticed that a complete section of the exhaust was missing. The cat converter had gone.

"After phoning the police and reporting the crime, they confirmed that there had been 3 other reports of cat converter theft in the last week and that they have all been Ford Galaxys.

"I estimate that its going to cost around £200 for a replacement to be fitted. Thankfully there was no other damage to the car or property and that nobody was hurt."

If you have any information or concerns, you can contact the Castle Point and Rochford Community Policing Team at Rayleigh police station on 101 Ext: 490161