Officers in Tandridge are encouraging vehicle owners to get catalytic converters on their cars and vans marked at a free event in Warlingham following recent thefts in the area.

The marking event will be held at the Manor Park Garage, Westhall Road on Wednesday, 26th October between 10am and 3pm. Specialist kits designed by Retainagroup will be used to mark the vehicles with a unique code which will allow the catalytic converter to be identified if it was stolen and later recovered.

Tandridge Crime Reduction Advisor Mark Howells, said: "Marking your vehicle in this way is an excellent deterrent to would-be thieves and the kits are ideal as they are easy to apply and won't cause any damage to your vehicle.

"I would encourage anyone who can attend to make an appointment and get their vehicle marked. It can't guarantee a thief won't strike but marking your vehicle will certainly help deter them.

"A thief who is stealing a catalytic converter will need to climb under a vehicle in order to reach it, so please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately. These people must be caught."

The free event is on an appointment only basis and can be booked by contacting the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01438 630220 before 5pm on Tuesday, 25 October. Appointments will last around 10 minutes each and will be available on a first come first served basis.

If you have any information about thefts of catalytic converters please contact Surrey Police on 101 or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.