POLICE in Selby have launched a new operation to stem a rise in the theft of catalytic converters.

Operation BYTE – being run by the Selby District Community Safety Partnership and North Yorkshire Police – will allow drivers to have their converters marked so they can be clearly identified if they are stolen and sold on to local scrap merchants.

It follows a recent spate of thefts in the Selby district.

At special marking events, the converters will be etched with the vehicle owner’s postcode and stencilled with a cat’s paw design using red heat-resistant paint.

The vehicle will also display a window sticker highlighting the fact that it has been marked.

Scrap metal dealers have been warned not to accept any converters which have been marked or look like an attempt has been made to remove the markings.

Police will be carrying out spot checks at merchants and if a business or person is found to be in possession of a stolen catalytic converter, they will be prosecuted and face losing their licence.

Officers have issued letters to recent victims of thefts, owners of 4x4 vehicles and vans to invite them attend marking events in the Sherburn-in-Elmet area.

Any member of the public who owns one of these type of vehicles is also welcome to attend.

The events are being held on June 23 between 12.30pm and 4pm at either Reynolds of Selby or ATS – both of which are in Canal Road in the town.

Police say more catalytic converter marking events will be held across the district in the coming months.

If you have been a victim of catalytic converter theft, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.