Police in Hounslow have urged people to be alert after a spate of catalytic converter thefts in the borough.

A number of the devices have been stolen from vans and cars in Isleworth and other parts of the borough in recent weeks, police said today.

The devices, which reduce toxic emissions from vehicles, are a popular target for thieves because they contain the precious metal platinum.

A Hounslow Police spokesman said Isleworth was a hotspot for catalytic converter thefts but they had been recorded across the borough.

He urged people to report any suspicious behaviour to police, such as people looking under cars, particularly at night. He also advised motorists to keep cars in driveways or garages where possible to deter thefts.

Six members of the same family are due to be sentenced in October after they admitted stealing more than 150 catalytic converters from across London. They were charged following an investigation by Brent Police.