Thieves launched a daring raid in broad daylight to swipe a valuable catalytic converter from under a parked car.

It was taken from a vehicle in Willington some time during the day on Monday, November 4.

The converter is fitted to vehicles' exhaust pipes to reduces toxic gas emmissions.

They are often called "cats" and are often stolen from Hybrid vehicles because they are made of platinum or similar metals which can be sold easily.

A warning from Hilton, Mercia and Melbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team, an arm of Derbyshire Police , said: "Keep an eye out for suspicious people checking around or underneath vehicles and report to the police if seen.

"A catalytic converter was stolen was a vehicle between 7.30am and 6.30pm on Monday, November 4 on The Green at Willington.

"If you saw anything that could assist contact 101."

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Anyone who has a catalytic converter is advised to take the following advice to keep it safe.

The car should be parked to make it difficult for someone to gain access to the underside near the exhaust.

This applies even when in a public car park. If possible, drivers are advised park in a well-lit area and in view of CCTV.

They are also asked to contemplate installing CCTV at home and direct it where the vehicle is normally parked, as well as installing a sensor alarm to the car.

A security mark on the catalytic converter with a serial number to identify it, registered on sites such as - a website which helps police identify owners of stolen vehicles - is also advised.

A "cat lock" can also be purchased and installed to make it more difficult to remove converters from cars.