POLICE stopped a vehicle near Wetherby and found a catalytic converter in the boot after being tipped off by a vigilant member of the public in York in the middle of the night.

North Yorkshire Police said two men had been arrested in connection with catalytic converter theft after a member of the public phoned the force at 3am, reporting suspicious activity in the Dringhouses area.

A spokesperson said officers responded immediately, and a short time later located a red Honda Civic near Wetherby. 

"The car was stopped and searched, and a catalytic converter and a number of tools were found in the boot,"they said.

"Two men inside, aged 29 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of theft and vehicle interference. They remain in custody at this time. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination."

Sergeant Paul Cording tweeted that the vigilant person had called police about a suspect vehicle, from which the occupants were seen looking under cars.

He said that after a quick look at the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system, operational support units had located the vehicle near Wetherby.

The force spokesperson said that earlier this year, the force had launched an operation to clamp down on catalytic converter thefts in York, following an increase in such incidents. 
"High prices for precious metals and the popularity of hybrid vehicles are believed to be two of the factors behind the increase," they said,

Sgt Laura Cromwell said at the time that while overall vehicle crime in York was low, catalytic converter theft was becoming increasingly common, and that was why police patrols had been increased and why residents were being urged to take steps to protect their vehicles.