THEFTS of catalytic converters have soared in West Yorkshire, figures have revealed.

West Yorkshire Police released the data through a Freedom of Information request.

In 2017, 63 thefts were recorded and 39 in 2018, but there was a surge from 2019 onwards.

Thefts jumped to 246 in that year, then to 270 in 2020 and 660 in 2021.

In nearly 95 per cent of cases, the investigation was complete and there was no suspect ID.

Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted.

They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute.

The figures may be subject to further investigation, reclassification and cancelling and will change over time, police said.

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